Notre Dame OL Pat Coogan Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
Notre Dame offensive lineman Pat Coogan has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal as a graduate transfer.
The Chicagoland native was a big part of Notre Dame’s run to the National Title game in 2024 as he made 13 starts following an injury to starting center Ashton Craig in the third game of the season.
In 2023, Coogan made 13 starts at left guard after playing in one game during his first two seasons in South Bend.
The move isn’t necessarily a surprise as it was clear Notre Dame and Joe Rudolph wanted to start a youth movement entering the season as Coogan and Rocco Spindler lost their starting spots to younger players coming out of fall camp.
Coogan’s decision likely doesn't come lightly as it was always his dream from a young age to suit up for Notre Dame, which is why he stuck it out this season despite the changes on the offensive line.
“I committed to Notre Dame for Notre Dame,” Coogan said last week. “There's always going to be changes and stuff like that. So you gotta commit to a place for the place itself, not solely for the people there, because whether you might not want to think it may happen, people leave and people make different choices and pursue different opportunities, and that's their right for sure. I came to Notre Dame for the university, for the place and for the special opportunity that it presents.”
As for his favorite play at Notre Dame, it’s his lone reception of his career.
“Most memorable play this year,” stated Coogan. “I caught a pass in the Stanford game. It deflected off one of the Stanford defenders, and I picked it up and ran for a first down. So that was pretty fun.”
The Irish offensive line is deep enough with young talent to sustain a few losses, but it will be hard to replace Coogan’s leadership. Coogan’s pregame speeches might have gone viral, but they were hardly the reason he had so much respect in the offensive line room and that will be what Craig, Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner will be tasked with over the next eight months.
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Under Armour Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish Playoff Performance Quarter-Zip
