Pat Coogan, who started 13 games this season at center for Notre Dame’s national runner-up football team, has announced on X that he is entering the transfer portal for his final season of eligibility this fall.
The Marist graduate appeared in 30 games during his time with the Fighting Irish, making 26 starts. In 2023, the Palos Heights resident started 13 games at left guard. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Coogan appeared in all 16 games this season, finishing with one tackle and one reception for 11 yards against Stanford.
“I have peace of mind knowing that I gave everything in my heart and soul for the betterment of the University of Notre Dame and its football program,” Coogan wrote on his X account. “My time here has come to an end and I’m blessed to say that I am leaving this university with zero regrets.
“With no doubt in my mind, these past four years were the best, most impactful and most fun years of my life. I am forever indebted to the University of Notre Dame for providing me with an opportunity to live out my childhood dream. I love this place, the people here and the memories I made with everything I have in my heart.
“My teammates I went to war with the past four years are the greatest part of this place. The culture in Notre Dame’s locker room is different and I wholeheartedly believe we put that on display on the field this season. The people will always make this place special and I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to be a part of their journeys as well. It was a helluva ride. I am excited for the next chapter of my career. I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining.”
● Ohio State, which defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the national championship game, had three local athletes on its roster, including sophomore wide receiver Nolan Baudo (Marist) and freshman linebacker Zach Hayes (Nazareth).
Sophomore wide receiver Carnell Tate, who prepped at Marist before spending his final two seasons at IMG Academy in Florida, finished the season third on the Buckeyes in receiving (52), receiving yards (733) and receiving touchdowns (4) in 15 games.
Against Notre Dame, Tate contributed two receptions for 35 yards.
● Elmhurst’s Tagen Pearson was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin’s Student-Athlete of the Week in men’s basketball for Jan. 6.
A 6-foot-3 guard, Pearson led the Bluejays to wins over Milwaukee School of Engineering and North Central. He averaged 20.5 points per game, shooting 62.5 percent from the field, including 9 of 15 from 3-point range. The graduate student also was 12 of 12 from the free-throw line.
Against MSOE, the Nazareth alum scored 23 points on 6 of 11 shooting from the field, with five 3-pointers. In Elmhurst’s home win over North Central, Pearson contributed 18 points with four 3-pointers, five rebounds, four assists and six free throws.