It appears a trip to the National Championship isn’t going to be enough to keep a pair of starting offensive linemen at Notre Dame.
Just days after the Irish lost to Ohio State 34-23, some impactful players appear to be moving on.
247 Sports’ Irish Illustrated confirmed that both interior lineman Pat Coogan and guard Rocco Spindler have entered the transfer portal.
Coogan has started 26 games at center and guard over the last two seasons while Spindler, a Clarkson native, started 13 games at right guard for the Irish this season after initially losing the job during fall camp.
Coogan stepped in at center when Ashton Craig was lost for the season against Purdue and became the unofficial hype man for the Irish during the run to the championship.
Craig is expected to return in 2025, which could have impacted Coogan’s decision.
“You have five guys in there for the first couple games. Because of injuries, you had to put Rocco [Spindler] and Coogs [Pat Coogan] back in there,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told the publication.
“And again, they all have done a really good job as individuals, and with time they will continue to be cohesive as a unit. And so, [I’m] really proud of that group, that are playing through some injuries and being thrust into a position because of injuries, and they’re improving constantly now.”
Second-year offensive lineman Sam Pendleton, who started the first seven games of 2024 at left guard, and offensive tackle Ty Chan, who played in 12 games, are also in the portal, according to 247 Sports.
Senior wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie will also depart as graduate transfers, they announced on social media.
