Indiana Football Incoming Transfer Profile: Pat Coogan

Curt Cignetti lost two starters from his offensive line last year, with Trey Wedig declaring for the NFL Draft and Mike Katic graduating. 

Cignetti has added plenty of linemen from the high school ranks, but both Wedig and Katic had years of Big Ten starting experience, so it made sense for Cignetti to add somebody a little more seasoned to his line as those prospects develop.

Enter Pat Coogan, a multiple-year starter from Notre Dame who comes to Indiana with one year of eligibility remaining. 

Coogan is Indiana's second-highest-rated incoming transfer, per 247 Sports, behind only Fernando Mendoza in Indiana's class ranking. He was a four star portal prospect, graded 91 overall. 

At Notre Dame, Coogan started at both left guard and center, making him the ideal replacement for Katic. 

The two posted very similar overall offensive PFF grades at center last year, with Katic's 74.1 grade slightly beating Coogan's 72.2. 

Coogan actually posted a higher grade than Katic did on pass blocking last year, which is good news for Fernando Mendoza, but they struggled more in run blocking. This was the case in 2023 as well, when Coogan spent his time at left guard. 

He's still a capable run blocker though, and would have graded second on Indiana's roster last year in run-blocking, behind only Katic. If there's any drop-off in production from the line spot, it shouldn't be a huge one. 

There's also the fact that players, particularly transfers, have developed well under Indiana's offensive line coach, Bob Bostad. 

Trey Wedig, for example, who knew Bostad from Wisconsin, posted his career worst numbers in 2023, his final season in Madison. In his first year under Bostad at Indiana, he posted a career-best grade in run blocking, improving over 10 points from his prior best. 

Mike Katic also made significant strides as both a pass and run blocker under Bostad. Katic, unlike Wedig, went from a 3-star recruit in high school who struggled under Daren Hiller to a bonafide NFL prospect in just three years with Bostad. 

If Coogan can improve the way Wedig or Katic did under Bostad, look for him to be on NFL Draft boards next season. He has a proven record of production against elite opponents, is coming to a coach with a track record of development, and at a position of need where he should see time immediately. 

247 ranking aside, it's easy to see why Coogan is considered one of the most important additions for Indiana this offseason.