Notre Dame starting OL Pat Coogan expected to enter transfer portal

Notre Dame starting offensive lineman Pat Coogan is expected to enter the transfer portal, sources tell On3. He’s become famous for his pregame speeches, including one before the Sugar Bowl where he screamed, “It’s God, it’s country, it’s motherf—ing Notre Dame.”

A 13-game starter for the Fighting Irish this season, the center emerged as a leader of an offensive line that helped Jeremiyah Love rush for 1,125 yards in 2024. Coogan has started 26 career games, playing at center and left guard.

“Coogs is an unbelievable leader,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman recently said. “He is passionate about this place. He is passionate about his position. Never complained about his role, just worked, and now he’s starting center and battling.”

During Notre Dame’s Week 3 win at Purdue, junior center Ashton Craig was engaged with a block when a stray body fell into his knee. Craig tore his ACL, ending his season and opening the door for Coogan to step in at center.

Pat Coogan allowed eight quarterback pressures in 2024 and just one sack. The senior center out of Palos Heights, Ill. has one year of eligibility remaining. He was a three-star coming out of high school. Notre Dame is expected to have one of the top offensive lines in the country in 2025.

“I have peace of mind, knowing that I gave everything I had, and I know my teammates have the same thing,” Coogan said after Monday night’s national title game. “Everyone has peace of mind, knowing they did their very best. We fell short today, but just still damn proud to be part of this team and university.”