Notre Dame’s offensive line is set to face a major shakeup as starting center Pat Coogan is reportedly preparing to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Coogan, a key anchor of the Fighting Irish offensive line this past season, played a pivotal role in protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. His departure would leave a significant void in one of the team’s most critical positions, raising questions about the depth and experience of the unit heading into next season.
The move comes amid the growing impact of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, which have made it increasingly common for high-profile players like Coogan to explore their options. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will now face the challenge of replacing Coogan while ensuring the team remains competitive in 2025. The Fighting Irish may look to their younger players or seek reinforcements through the portal to maintain their strong offensive line reputation.