Syracuse wide receiver Trebor Pena (2) makes a touchdown catch in front of Washington State defensive back Stephen Hall (1) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

UNIVERSITY PARK – Penn State sophomore offensive lineman Cooper Cousins was named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list on Thursday, while redshirt senior wide receiver Trebor Pena was tabbed to the Paul Hornung Award watch list. Cousins is also a nominee for the Allstate Good Works Team.

The Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. It is the first major award honoring the character of service to others.

The Paul Hornung Award is given annually by the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) to the most versatile player in major college football.

In September 2024, Cousins was paired with 10-year-old Gannon Kupko Jr. through Team IMPACT, a national organization connecting children facing serious illness with college athletic programs. He represented the entire Team IMPACT organization at the 2025 Game Day Gala in front of over 1,000 supporters, where more than $3.3 million was raised to support children like Gannon.

Through his time with Penn State, Cousins has appeared in 16 games on offense and special teams. He was named a true freshman preseason All-American by 247Sports, ESPN and On3 in 2024 and was also named the coaching staff’s Special Teams Player of the Game after the Wisconsin game (10/26).

In 2024, Penn State did not allow a sack against West Virginia, USC, Washington, Purdue or Maryland. Cousins helped Penn State rank ninth in the nation in tackles for loss allowed per game (3.81) and 23rd in sacks allowed per game (1.25). He also helped the Nittany Lions to lead the country in first downs (367), while ranking tenth in passing efficiency (154.98), fourth down conversion percentage (72.0), 11th in completion percentage (66.8), 17th in rushing offense (202.3), 19th in third down conversion percentage (45.9) and 25th in red zone offense (89.4).

Pena has appeared in 40 games and made 14 starts in his collegiate career, earning second-team All-ACC honors in 2024 while playing at Syracuse. Through his career, he owns 109 receptions for 1,212 yards and ten touchdowns, while averaging 11.1 yards per reception. In special teams, Pena has averaged 27 yards per kick return on 36 returns, including a touchdown, and eight yards per punt return on 55 returns.

His 2024 campaign saw his post 84 receptions for 941 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 72 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and 15 punt returns for 120 yards. His 84 receptions were fifth-most in a season in Syracuse history, while his 941 yards were tenth. He led the ACC and ranked 13th nationally with 84 receptions, finished third in the ACC and 20th nationally with nine receiving touchdowns and had two 100-yard receiving games.

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, named after Danny Wuerffel, 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Florida, is considered college football’s premier award for community service. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy embodies Wuerffel’s commitment to being a humanitarian, while honoring student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the trophy’s founding.

The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in honor of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. The winner will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award Dinner in Louisville in March 2026.