Hold onto your hats, Penn State fans, because the Nittany Lions' roster is undergoing some significant changes! While one key player is staying put, two others are heading for the transfer portal, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for the team.
In a heartwarming show of commitment, offensive lineman Cooper Cousins has announced his return to Penn State for the 2026 season. Taking to Twitter, Cousins declared, “Ready to get back to work! I BLEED BLUE AND WHITE,” signaling his dedication to the program. This decision comes as a crucial retention for new head coach Matt Campbell, who will be looking to build a strong foundation for his tenure.
Cousins, who started at left guard in the Pinstripe Bowl after serving as a backup during the regular season, is expected to be a starter along the interior line next year, either at guard or center. His potential hasn't gone unnoticed, with former Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein praising his versatility and growth. “I love Coop,” Trautwein said. “He’s a heck of a football player... He continues to get better every single week.” Trautwein even went as far as to predict that Cousins could be a high draft pick and an All-American, drawing parallels to Olu Fashanu's breakout in his third year. But here's where it gets interesting: Is Cousins the next big thing, or is Trautwein's prediction a bit too optimistic? Only time will tell.
And this is the part most people miss: while Cousins' return is a bright spot, Penn State is also losing two players to the transfer portal. According to On3’s Pete Nakos and Hayes Fawcett, linebacker Keon Wylie and receiver Anthony Ivey are planning to explore new opportunities. Wylie, who missed the entire 2024 season due to injury, played a rotational role in 2025, while Ivey managed just one catch for 15 yards over three seasons. But is this a case of players seeking more playing time, or a deeper issue within the program? It's a question worth discussing.
Joining Wylie and Ivey in the portal are several other players, including:
- TE Joey Schlaffer
- CB Elliot Washington II
- DE Chaz Coleman
- OG Alex Birchmeier
- CB AJ Harris
- LB Kari Jackson
- WR Aaron Enterline
- DE Daniel Jennings
- DE Zuriah Fisher
As Penn State navigates these changes, fans are left to ponder the team's future direction. What does this mean for Matt Campbell's vision? And how will the departures impact the team's dynamics? We want to hear from you – do you think Cousins will live up to the hype, or is Trautwein's prediction a stretch? And what's your take on the players entering the portal? Let us know in the comments, and let's spark a friendly debate!
