College football player Pat Coogan’s transfer to Indiana University made him an offensive line superstar.
Coogan was named one of the 2025 Rose Bowl’s most valuable players after the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the University of Alabama 38-3 in January 2026. He became the first offensive lineman to take home the Rose Bowl honor since 1944 and appeared visibly stunned while being cheered on by his teammates.
“First of all, I just want to thank everybody for showing out and making this Memorial West,” Coogan said in his speech, referring to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. “These last 10 months have been the best months of my life, and I’m just so grateful for my teammates.”
Coogan also offered a shout-out to the Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti, who brought the player to IU as a fifth-year senior after he played at Notre Dame from 2021 to 2024.
Who is Fernando Mendoza? What to Know About the 2025 Heisman Trophy Favorite
“These guys are fighters, and we got more to get done,” Coogan added, noting that he and his teammates are taking things “day by day” as they continue to dominate the college football playoffs.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about the college football star.
1. Where Is Pat Coogan From?
Coogan is an Illinois native. He grew up in Palos Heights before attending Marist High School in Chicago where he was both a football and baseball player. Coogan received offers to play college football from several major universities, including Ohio State and Oklahoma, before committing to Notre Dame.
2. What Position Does Pat Coogan Play?
Coogan is a center who started for the Fighting Irish on their offensive line in 2023.
3. Where Did Pat Coogan Transfer From?
After four years in the Notre Dame football program, Coogan made the switch to Indiana University in 2025 for his fifth year.
“It’s unbelievable,” Coogan said of the Indiana University fan base. “The support of Hoosier Nation is something I’ve never seen before. I’m just so grateful for everybody.”
Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza Denies Getting ‘Obliterated’ at Afterparty
Coogan said winning the Rose Bowl was the “best day” of his and his teammates’ lives.
“This is unbelievable,” he concluded. “We got way more work to get done.”
4. Does Pat Coogan Have a College Degree?
When Coogan transferred to Indiana University, he had already earned an undergraduate degree in American Studies during his time at Notre Dame. He is currently a graduate student at Indiana.
5. What Is Pat Coogan Known For?
Aside from his playing skills, Coogan has become known for his enthusiastic pregame speeches. During his Notre Dame tenure, the athlete went viral for some rather R-rated speeches. And, yes, he has brought them with him to Indiana.
“He embodies what this program is about even though it’s his first year here,” Indiana offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan told the Indy Star in January 2026. “His leadership has been invaluable I believe, he instills confidence in everybody around. For me, I don’t have to do much to get the unit going. I turn it over to him. He gets the guys going and knows what to say and buttons to push, just really happy for him. He’s been outstanding.”
