BREAKING NEWS: Indiana Football Lands Game-Changing Commitment from Former Notre Dame Center Pat Coogan
Bloomington, IN — In a major recruiting win that could shift the balance of power in the Big Ten, the Indiana Hoosiers football program has secured the commitment of former Notre Dame center Pat Coogan, marking one of the biggest transfers in recent memory for the Hoosiers.
Coogan, who spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career as a starting offensive lineman for the Fighting Irish, announced his decision to transfer to Indiana on Friday, sending shockwaves through the college football world. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound center, known for his exceptional blocking ability and leadership on the field, brings a wealth of experience and skill to a Hoosiers offensive line that has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
“This is a game-changer for us,” said Indiana head coach Tom Allen in a statement following Coogan’s commitment. “Pat is an outstanding player who has already proven himself at the highest level of college football. He’s going to bring a level of toughness, leadership, and skill that will instantly elevate our offensive line. We are thrilled to have him join the Hoosiers family.”
Coogan, a native of Massachusetts, spent three years at Notre Dame, where he earned valuable playing time and became a key figure in the Irish’s offensive line rotation. Last season, he started 12 games for Notre Dame, helping to anchor a unit that was widely regarded as one of the best in the nation. Despite the success, Coogan entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason, seeking a new opportunity that would allow him to make an immediate impact.
Indiana, which has been on the rise under Coach Allen, quickly emerged as a top destination for Coogan. The Hoosiers have made significant strides in recent years, competing for bowl games and earning a national ranking in 2020, but their offensive line play has been inconsistent at times. Adding Coogan to the mix gives Indiana an experienced and proven player to build around, potentially transforming their offensive line into a more formidable unit.
“After a lot of thought and consideration, I felt like Indiana was the best place for me to continue my football journey,” Coogan said in a statement. “I’m excited about the direction Coach Allen is taking the program, and I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates. I’m ready to help turn things around and do whatever it takes to contribute to winning football.”
Coogan’s decision to transfer to Indiana is significant for several reasons. First, it strengthens the Hoosiers’ offensive line, which will be crucial for the development of their quarterback play and overall offensive production. With the addition of Coogan, Indiana gains a veteran presence and a player who has faced some of the toughest defensive fronts in the country during his time at Notre Dame.
Second, Coogan’s commitment represents a shift in the recruiting landscape. As one of the most coveted transfer portal targets, Coogan’s decision to leave Notre Dame — a perennial powerhouse — for Indiana signals that the Hoosiers are becoming an increasingly attractive option for top-tier talent. The Hoosiers have historically been considered an underdog in the Big Ten, but Coach Allen’s ability to recruit at a high level and attract players like Coogan shows that the program is on the rise.
The move also has implications for the wider college football landscape. Indiana’s ability to secure a commitment from a player of Coogan’s caliber sends a message to other programs in the Big Ten and beyond that the Hoosiers are capable of competing with the conference’s elite teams in recruiting and talent acquisition.
“Pat Coogan is one of the best centers in the country, and his decision to come to Indiana is a huge win for our program,” said Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson. “This commitment speaks to the strength of our coaching staff and the growing momentum of our football program. We’re excited about the future.”
As for Notre Dame, Coogan’s departure leaves a hole in an otherwise strong offensive line for the Irish. While Notre Dame has a history of developing top-tier offensive linemen, the loss of Coogan, a key player with starting experience, will be felt as they look to rebuild their line for the upcoming season.
Indiana’s fans, meanwhile, are already celebrating the arrival of Coogan, with social media buzzing about the potential impact he can have on the Hoosiers’ upcoming season. For a program on the rise, this is a clear signal that Indiana football is not just aiming for bowl eligibility, but for something more ambitious: sustained success in the Big Ten.
With Coogan now officially part of the fold, all eyes will be on Indiana’s spring practice as the team begins to prepare for the upcoming season with their new star offensive lineman leading the charge. The Hoosiers are hoping that this high-profile commitment will mark the beginning of a new era in their football program—one that could bring them to the forefront of the Big Ten.