With the 2025 season drawing closer, two Penn State players picked up national recognition Thursday (7/31) for their leadership, impact, and on-field versatility. One earned praise for his community involvement, while the other stood out for his dynamic skillset across multiple roles.
Both players are expected to be major contributors as the Nittany Lions push for a return to the College Football Playoff.
Nittany Lions Recognized for Versatility and Character
Cousins Combines Service With Physicality
Sophomore offensive lineman Cooper Cousins earned a spot on the Wuerffel Trophy watch list. The award recognizes players who lead with integrity, service, and a lasting impact beyond the game. He also received a nomination for the Allstate Good Works Team, a nod to his growing influence both inside and outside the locker room.
In 2024, Cousins began working with 10-year-old Gannon Kupko Jr. through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit that pairs college athletes with children battling serious illness. He didn’t treat it as a formality. Instead, he leaned into the opportunity, showing up for practices, team events, and meaningful moments in Kupko’s life. As a result, Team IMPACT invited Cousins to speak at its annual Game Day Gala in Boston. There, he represented Penn State in front of over 1,000 supporters and helped the organization raise more than $3.3 million for families like Kupko’s.
Meanwhile, Cousins made his presence felt on the field. He played in all 16 games as a true freshman, rotating along the offensive line and contributing on multiple special teams units. He enters Fall camp in a tight competition for the starting right guard spot. Cousins brings a low center of gravity, quick feet, and strong hands at the point of contact. This Spring, James Franklin noted, “It’ll be really good competition, with Cooper being one of those guys that’s heavily involved in it” (On3).
Peña Delivers Versatility and Timing
Redshirt senior wide receiver Trebor Peña, a transfer from Syracuse, landed on the Paul Hornung Award watch list. That award goes to players who consistently create impact in multiple ways, and Peña fits that mold perfectly.
Last season, he caught 84 passes for 941 yards and scored nine times. He also picked up 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while adding over 300 total return yards on special teams. Whether aligned in the slot, on the outside, or back deep on kickoffs, Peña found ways to change games. Now in Happy Valley, he’s expected to take over the slot receiver job and retain his role in the return game. On film, Peña moves with balance and control through his breaks. He thrives in motion-heavy looks and shows strong field awareness in both man and zone coverage.
During Spring ball, he quickly established himself with the first-team offense. Peña gives offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki the flexibility to move pieces and manipulate matchups. His ability to win on quick hitters, stretch the field horizontally, and work underneath adds a critical layer to Penn State’s passing attack.
What This Program Runs On
Cousins and Peña are not just preseason names. They reflect what Penn State has built over time and what it continues to emphasize. One arrived as a freshman and earned respect through his work. The other came from the outside and found his fit in a locker room that does not hand anything out. Their paths are different. Even so, the result is the same. Both know their roles. They execute them. They carry themselves in a manner that matches the staff’s expectations.
Penn State has brought in talent. It has shifted the scheme and raised expectations. However, the program still depends on players like these. They take on responsibility, lead without needing recognition, and move the standard forward by showing up the right way.
Main Image: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
