Former Notre Dame OL an underrated hero in Indiana's CFP title win over Miami

On Monday night, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Pat Coogan returned to the National Title Game, and this time, he found victory.

Coogan was an integral part of the Irish's march to the championship game last season; ND fell short against Ohio State. That winter, he knew injured starters returning in 2025 likely meant he was out of a job, so he stayed in the state and became a Hoosier instead.

Not only was Coogan a member of Indiana's National Championship, but he played an integral role in the Hoosiers' most impressive play. When quarterback Fernando Mendoza took a 4th and 5 quarterback draw into the end zone, it was Coogan who helped lead the way.

Pat Coogan’s journey from Notre Dame heartbreak to championship redemption

It's fitting that the play that seemed to show Indiana would win the game, even if it wasn't the game-clincher that involved Mendoza and Coogan. Mendoza, a Heisman winner, was the leader IU needed all season as the face of the program. Coogan was the man who got less credit, but still led his unit, plowing the way for Mendoza and Indiana's running backs.

Coogan was such an integral part of the offensive line that he was chosen as the representative when his group earned the honor of the voters naming them the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP in the Hoosiers' 56-22 win over Oregon.

Coogan was nearly inconsolable after Notre Dame fell just short of the title against the Buckeyes. He had to wonder if he'd get another shot in his final season of college football. Not only did he get that shot, but his red zone block was a massive reason why IU is still celebrating this morning.