Pat Coogan Ready to Command the Hoosier Offensive Line

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Pat Coogan will be taking over the center position on the Hoosiers offensive in 2025 after transferring from Notre Dame where he started 12 of the Irish 15 games. Coogan did not begin the 2024 season as a starter, but spearheaded the Irish’s run to the national title game.

Coogan is ready to command the Hoosiers offensive line heading into the 2025 season.

“Being the center of the offense and the command you have for your guys and the trust that you build between your guys - the guys to the right of you and the guys to the left of you and you're right here in the middle. I have always thought of myself as a good communication and that leaks onto the football field.” Coogan told reporters after a spring practice session on Thursday.

Leaving Notre Dame for IU football used to be a head scratcher. However, the Hoosiers caught the eye of the nation, including Coogan, with an 11-2 season that saw the Hoosiers and Irish matchup in the First Round of the College Football Playoff. The opportunity to come to Bloomington was too good to pass up.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity. Obviously, I saw the year that those guys had last year and the momentum in this program right now is remarkable. I couldn't wait to be a part of it, and 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 explained.

“What really did it for me was the guys in the locker room. I can't say enough high things about them. It's just a great, great group of guys in there. It's a great bond we are building for sure.” He added.

Coogan will be part of an offensive line that protects quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who got pummeled behind a porus offensive line at Cal. Mendoza has already started building trust with Coogan and the Hoosier line.

“I believe that sacks are both a quarterback and offensive line stat. So, I do take responsibility on that at my previous stop. However, having those amazing offensive linemen: [Pat] Coogan] Bray [Lynch], Carter [Smith], Zen [Michalski], Demola [Adedamola Ajani], Austin [Barrett], everyone. I could go on and on about all of those guys.” Mendoza said.

“Those are all phenomenal players, and I have a ton of time [to throw the ball]. Quite honestly it is a little more time than I am used to, I would say. But it has been great, and I have had great offensive lines in the past, and I am blessed to have an amazing offensive line this year.” Mendoza added.

The Hoosiers still have a couple weeks left of spring practice and many moths before the season opener, but Pat Coogan is ready to lead this offensive line to the next level.