UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Penn State Nittany Lions sophomore offensive lineman Cooper Cousins has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list. At the same time, red shirt senior+ wide receiver Trebor Peña has been selected for the Paul Hornung Award watch list. Adding to his accolades, Cousins is also a nominee for the Allstate Good Works Team.
The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded annually to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player who excels in community service and demonstrates exceptional leadership both on and off the field, making it the premier award recognizing character and service to others.
The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse and awarded by the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC), recognizes the most versatile player in major college football.
Cooper Cousins: On the Field and in the Community
Cousins’ recognition extends beyond his on-field talent. In September 2024, he formed a special bond with 10-year-old Gannon Kupko Jr. through Team IMPACT, a national organization that connects children facing serious illnesses with college athletic programs. Showing his commitment to the organization, Cousins represented Team IMPACT at the 2025 Game Day Gala, helping raise over $3.3 million to support children like Gannon.
Cousins’ athletic prowess was evident early on, earning him an accurate freshman preseason All-American nod from 247Sports, ESPN, and On3 in 2024. He saw action in 16 games, contributing on both offense and special teams, and was named the coaching staff’s Special Teams Player of the Game following the Wisconsin game on October 26th.
In 2024, the Nittany Lions’ offensive line, bolstered by Cousins’ presence, excelled in pass protection, not allowing a single sack against West Virginia, USC, Washington, Purdue, or Maryland. The team also ranked ninth nationally in tackles for loss allowed per game (3.81) and 23rd in sacks allowed per game with 1.25. Furthermore, Penn State led the country in 367 first downs and achieved impressive rankings in other offensive categories, including 10th in passing efficiency, 4th in fourth down conversion percentage, and 11th in completion percentage. He is 17th in rushing offense and 19th in third-down conversion percentage.
Trebor Peña: A Versatile Addition to the Nittany Lions
Trebor Peña joins the Nittany Lions after earning second-team All-ACC honors in 2024 while playing at Syracuse. Throughout his 40-game collegiate career, including 14 starts, Peña has amassed 109 receptions for 1,212 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per reception. He is also a dynamic kick returner, averaging 27 yards per return on 36 attempts, with one touchdown, and an eight-yard average on 55 punt returns.
During the 2024 season, Peña had a breakout season, recording 84 receptions for 941 yards and nine touchdowns. He also added 12 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown, along with 15 punt returns for 120 yards. His 84 receptions ranked fifth-most in a single season in Syracuse history, while his 941 receiving yards ranked tenth. Peña led the ACC and ranked 13th nationally in receptions and finished third in the ACC and 20th nationally with nine receiving touchdowns, highlighted by two 100-yard receiving games.
Former winners include Odell Beckham Jr., Christian McCaffrey, and Tavon Austin.
