University of Pittsburgh Athletics
The Script: Lyndon Cooper
6/30/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
Where Panthers write their legacy
Every legacy starts with a story. This is Lyndon Cooper's Script.
The Script is a player-by-player spotlight on Pitt Football, where stats meet story. Each edition dives into the numbers, personality, and path of the Panthers writing their own legacy—one chapter at a time.
The Numbers
- 2024 Stats: Won a heated battle for the starting center position and went on to start all 12 games he played in following his transfer from NC State.
- Leading the Way: Anchored an offensive line that helped RB Desmond Reid finish the regular season sixth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game. Also helped QB Eli Holstein lead all Power 4 freshmen in passing yards.
- ACC Honors: Named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) ACC Team of the Week for his performance against California.
- Consistency: According to PFF, Cooper posted a 94.0 pass-block win rate on 91 one-on-one snaps, one of the best marks in the ACC.
The Story
Lyndon Cooper brought more than just experience when he transferred from NC State—he brought stability. The Atlanta, Ga. native stepped into the starting center role and never looked back, commanding Pitt's offensive front with poise and precision. His intelligence, communication, and physicality were critical in helping the Panthers find their rhythm on the ground and in pass protection. Cooper's leadership didn't go unnoticed, either. Teammates and coaches routinely cite his maturity and presence as key factors in the offensive line's growth.
The Outlook
As Pitt enters 2025 with renewed expectations, Cooper remains the foundation up front. A Preseason All-ACC selection by Phil Steele, he's the type of lineman every successful offense needs—steady, smart, and relentless. With a year of Pitt Football under his belt, Cooper looks to elevate not only his game but the unit around him, setting the tone for a Panthers offense looking to take a big leap forward.
