Looks like Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines’ woes do not have any expiry date. Every other day, there is one blow or the other. Yes, Moore might have got to taste that proud feeling—thanks to No.1 recruit, Bryce Underwood. But their joy was short-lived! Someone just rained on their happy parade—a 310-pound offensive line beast, no less.

This Notre Dame transfer had the entire college football world on pins and needles. Moore was a serious suitor for Pat Coogan, but when has luck been on the Wolverines’ side lately? Their Big Ten rivals swooped in and snagged this major portal prize. 

The big fight for Pat Coogan comes to an end

Ever since the Fighting Irish IOL had hit the transfer portal, he had been a hot target. Why wouldn’t he? After all, he is the center who can play guard, coming off as a dual threat. Even though Ole Miss Rebels’ Lane Kiffin appeared to be Moore’s competition for some short period, Coogan ultimately struck off Rebels from his list of visits. But then it was mainly Moore vs. the ‘Google Me’ man, Curt Cignetti, the Indiana Hoosiers HC.

The desperation had been real for the Michigan HC to land Coogan. That’s because landing him would make an amazing pair with starter Greg Crippen. But it looks like the universe had some other plans. 

On January 31, Hayes Fawcett revealed the big news on IG. The caption read, “BREAKING: Notre Dame transfer IOL Pat Coogan has Committed to Indiana, he tells @on3.” So, finally, Coogan will be heading south to Bloomington for the 2025 season. Well, Cignetti will be one lucky man. The Notre Dame transfer started 12 of Notre Dame’s 15 games at center. However, back in 2023, he started 13 games at left guard. Coogan has also been known as the emotional leader of Marcus Freeman’s squad. Courtesy?

He was the one who led the program to a 13-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. However, after the Irish lost in the race to bag the National Championship title, Coogan became the third offensive lineman after Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton to hit the portal. Cignetti might be sending his gratitude to the universe for how things worked out in his favor. 

How is Pat Coogan the missing piece in Bob Bostad’s puzzle? 

Not to forget, Cignetti got lucky to snatch Coogan, who has been the soul of the Irish. His pregame speeches—“Four Quarters of F— You Football” among them—have become rallying cries for the Notre Dame fanbase. It’s now Coogan’s time to carry his spirit into the Hoosiers camp as he fills a position left vacant by Mike Katic’s graduation following the 2024 season. With this, Cignetti can let out a sigh of relief.

PFF graded him among Notre Dame’s best linemen last fall. Plus, we could see how Coogan anchored the line for an offense that played its way to Atlanta. Now how is it going to benefit the ‘Google Me’ man’s squad?

With the Notre Dame transfer’s addition, the already strong offensive line will get stronger. It already has notable portal additions like the Colorado Buffaloes transfer and flex lineman Kahlil Benson. Not to forget the Ohio State tackle transfer, Zen Michalski.

With Pat Coogan’s presence, offensive line coach Bob Bostad will now have a steady, veteran presence at one of the most important positions across Indiana’s offense. The Fighting Irish transfer can fill both the snaps and the leadership role Katic left behind. The coach will now enjoy the flexibility to slide Bray Lynch back over to guard, giving the Hoosiers plenty of depth to the O-line. That’s an absolute WIN-WIN situation for Curt Cignetti!