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On Thursday, Notre Dame saw two starters on the offensive line enter the transfer portal in Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan.
Notre Dame starting offensive lineman Rocco Spindler has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247Sports.
Was a starter for Notre Dame the last two years.https://t.co/10Sz3YxlzO pic.twitter.com/OdsUnDGihs
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 23, 2025
BREAKING: Notre Dame starting center Pat Coogan is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports https://t.co/bzXPuadjwE pic.twitter.com/yvxHvaU4up
— On3 (@On3sports) January 23, 2025
Both Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan had an interesting year due to injuries. Going into the season, neither were listed as a starter along the offensive line despite having been starters in 2023.
When center Ashton Craig went down against Purdue, Pat Coogan went from being a backup at guard to the starting center — and he remained there all season long. Coogan became one of the team’s biggest leaders over the course of the season. As many of you already know… his pregame speeches to his fellow offensive linemen are a thing of legend now.
I’m ready to run through a mine field for Notre Dame’s Pat Coogan and give my eldest daughter’s hand in marriage. pic.twitter.com/nrzfLDeZ9y
— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) December 6, 2024
Spindler’s situation was very similar to Coogan’s as he lost the job before the season, and was called upon once the injuries came calling. Spindler, however, also got injured this season and battled back from that to reclaim his well-earned starting position.
Notre Dame’s offensive line situation next year was looking to be pretty crowded — and still might be. Both Coogan and Spindler are midwest guys, and perhaps they will land somewhere in the Big 10 to finish their last year of eligibility as they give the NFL scouts one more season of tape.
Good luck to them next season!