The last time Indiana played a football game, Pat Coogan was playing for the other side.
And when Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love ran 98 yards through Hoosier hearts, the play was sprung off Coogan’s left shoulder at the line of scrimmage.
Coogan was one of Notre Dame’s most vocal leaders, well known for his inspiring pregame speeches. On the field he helped lead the Irish to the national championship game.
But the Palos Heights, Ill. product was a reserve in South Bend entering the 2024 season, and there was some thought he might return to that role in 2025, his final year of college eligibility. That prompted a decision to enter the transfer portal.
And now Notre Dame’s loss is Indiana’s gain.
When the Hoosiers kick off the 2025 season in two weeks, returning to the field for the first time since a 27-17 loss to Notre Dame, the 6-foot-5 and 311-pound Coogan will be wearing cream and crimson.
“It was an unbelievable opportunity to come here,” Coogan said. “Obviously, I saw the year that those guys had last year. The momentum in this program right now is remarkable. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it. I knew this center spot was opening. I knew (Mike) Katic was leaving, and when I got to talking with the coaches, I loved everyone.”
Coogan appeared in 30 career games over four seasons at Notre Dame, with all 26 starts coming since his first collegiate start against Navy in the 2023 season opener. He started all 13 games of the 2023 season at left guard, but in 2024 fall camp he was benched. Coogan began practicing as the second-team center, a position he had never played in college.
Opportunity knocked in week three last season when Notre Dame starting center Ashton Craig was lost for the season.
And Coogan responded. He allowed just eight quarterback pressures throughout the season, and only one sack. He finished with a 79.0 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade, which ranked second on the team. He also made the key block on several of Notre Dame’s explosive run plays, but you don’t need to be reminded of that.
Coogan also became famous for his leadership, particularly in the pregame huddle before the offensive line took the field each week. He would fire up his teammates with expletive-laden speeches, including one phrase he used regularly: “Four quarters of f*** you football.”
Coming to a new team and immediately becoming one of its leaders is a delicate art. But IU starting left tackle Carter Smith says Coogan cracked that code immediately.
When did Smith recognize Coogan as an effective leader at Indiana?
“Day one,” Smith said. “He’s loud. He’s a good communicator. He does really well making all of his calls. He keeps his eyes up. He’s very focused. He’s very attentive.
“But he likes to keep the mood light. He’s a pick me up guy. If someone’s down, he’s going to pat you on the back and say, “Hey, get get back up. It’s time for the next rep.” So, he’s fit in really well.”
Getting a player of Coogan’s caliber is a major coup for an Indiana team looking to build on the massive success of Curt Cignetti’s first year in Bloomington.
“I get questions, how are you going to sustain it? We’re not looking to sustain it. We’re looking to improve it,” Cignetti has said several times over the last month.
Improving it starts with players like Coogan, who steps into the void left by Katic. The Hoosiers have also brought back versatile lineman Khalil Benson from Colorado, and Zen Michalski from Ohio to shape what Cignetti has said he believes will be an improved group up front in 2025.
It’s no secret the offensive line, while solid for for most of the 2024 campaign, left much to be desired against Indiana’s toughest competition.
Enter Coogan, who Cignetti believes is exactly the kind of player the Hoosiers needed to elevate the program once again.
“Pat started at Notre Dame, a great program. Played a lot of football for them. Was an older guy, was looking for a home. He had a girlfriend that went to school here. We were looking for a center. Mike Katic had graduated. It was a perfect fit” Cignetti said. “Sure glad we got him, and I think he’s going to be a great leader for us.”
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
– Join our Premium Discord Chat by GOING HERE.
- You can follow us on X: @daily_hoosier and find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
