It’s no surprise that no Notre Dame players entered the transfer portal during their playoff run, as the team’s focus remained firmly on chasing a championship. With the portal window delayed until after the playoffs, the spotlight has now shifted to offseason roster changes, and we’re beginning to see Fighting Irish players enter the portal.
On Thursday, two former offensive linemen, Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler, announced their departures. Both players, part of the 2021 recruiting class, have one year of eligibility left and bring impressive size and experience, making them valuable prospects in the transfer market.
Spindler started 10 games at right guard during the 2023 season, showcasing his physicality and tenacious playstyle. After recovering from an injury, he began the 2024 season as a backup but stepped up as a starter when Billy Schrauth went down, finishing the year strong.
Coogan’s story parallels Spindler’s in some ways. He was the starting left guard for all of 2023 but entered a position battle in the offseason. Initially slated as a versatile swing player, Coogan became a starter again after Ashton Craig suffered an injury, finishing the season in that role.
Losing quality linemen like Coogan and Spindler is never ideal, but it speaks volumes about the depth and health of Notre Dame’s offensive line room. With talented players like Charles Jagusah, Billy Schrauth, Ashton Craig, Anthonie Knapp, Aamil Wagner, Guerby Lambert, and Sullivan Absher set to return, the Fighting Irish are poised to field one of the nation’s top offensive lines in 2024.
Both Coogan and Spindler made significant contributions to the program, and Notre Dame fans should be proud of the effort and dedication they gave during their time in South Bend.
