With the 2026-27 college football season on the horizon, discussions are already swirling about which athletes will leave a lasting impact. For the Penn State Nittany Lions, the landscape is somewhat uncertain following a substantial roster transformation. However, amidst these changes, several players are poised to make their mark, with their potential reflected in various preseason evaluations.
Safety Jeremiah Cooper not only secured a spot within the top 25 but was also the sole Nittany Lions player to break into the top 50. This is particularly striking given that Cooper was the sixth-ranked transfer addition for Penn State, and many analysts initially focused on offensive talents like quarterback Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hansen. Nevertheless, in a secondary undergoing significant changes, Cooper is poised to emerge as a pivotal leader.
Throughout his tenure at Iowa State, Cooper established himself as one of the program's most accomplished players. He ranks tenth in the program's history with eight career interceptions and is sixth among active Division I players in passes defensed, tallying 30. Last season, however, saw him limited to just four games after suffering an ACL tear while transitioning to cornerback. This year, following crucial departures in the defensive backfield, including Zakee Wheatley's move to the NFL, Cooper is slated to return to his natural safety position, once again playing alongside his former Iowa State teammates.
While both Rocco Becht and Carson Hansen also featured on the list, their rankings were considerably lower, with Becht at No. 51 and Hansen at No. 76. This underscores the prevalent belief that a strong defense is fundamental to championship success. Cooper, in his anticipated role, could set an early benchmark for defensive excellence in the Matt Campbell era.
