Youth football Cochrane attended Kirklandpark Primary in
Strathaven and later studied at
Grange Academy, Kilmarnock where he was part of the
Scottish Football Association Performance School. Cochrane began his football career with
Rangers, before transferring to
Heart of Midlothian at under-13 level.
Heart of Midlothian In June 2017 Cochrane signed a professional contract with
Heart of Midlothian, which committed him to the club until 2020. The following month he played in all four of the first team's pre season friendlies, netting in a 4–1 win against
Linfield. On 15 August 2017, Cochrane played for Hearts
Under-20s in the
Scottish Challenge Cup against
Formartine United. He made his first team debut for Hearts, aged 16, on 30 September 2017, playing from the start in a 2–1 defeat against
Dundee at
Dens Park. In doing so he became the first
Scottish Football Association Performance School graduate to start a
Scottish Premiership game. Cochrane scored the opening goal in Hearts' 4–0 win over
Celtic on 17 December 2017, a result that ended Celtic's 69-game unbeaten run in domestic matches. In doing so he became the club's youngest league goalscorer. The following week he was sent off in a match against
St Johnstone for a second bookable offence. In April 2018, Cochrane signed a new contract with Hearts, which ran until 2021.
Dunfermline loan Cochrane, along with Hearts teammate
Anthony McDonald, moved on a season-long loan to
Scottish Championship side
Dunfermline Athletic on 30 August 2019.
Montrose loan On 30 October 2020, Cochrane joined
Scottish League One club
Montrose on loan until January 2021. The loan agreement was later extended to the end of the season. In April 2021, it was announced that Cochrane was set to leave Hearts at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract.
Queen of the South On 24 July 2021, Cochrane signed a two-year deal with
Scottish Championship club
Queen of the South after a successful trial period. On 24 May 2023, Cochrane signed a contract extension with the
Doonhamers until 31 May 2025. During September 2023, Cochrane was appointed Queens new club captain, after
Josh Todd decided to concentrate more on his own playing performances.
Arbroath After spending four years with the Doonhamers, Cochrane joined Scottish Championship club
Arbroath in July 2025. ==International career==