He was a starter the year before. He got beat out by one guy. It is not like he was a depth chart guy his entire career at ND until many people got hurt. Now the dude from Ohio State fits that bill but not this guy. He is a high quality guy that was a prized recruit amongst teams.
He was beat out multiple times in multiple years.
He was beat out at Center by Craig. So moved to Guard last year. Then he started initially while Shrauth got healthy. Then benched behind Schrauth & Spindler. At Guard.
This past season he was beaten out by Schrauth, Spindler & Pendleton at Guard. Pendleton & Schrauth started, then Spindler beat out Pendleton a few games in. Coogan was moved over to Center as a backup. Craig got hurt in game 3 & Coogan took that spot at Center.
Jagusah, the original LT hurt in the preseason, but came back in the Semifinals, took the Guard spot when Spindler was hurt.
He might stay there. Might move back to LT.
ND brings back all the original starters at OL, plus the young guys they think are the future. (Multiple 5 Stars).
Coogan, Spindler & Pendleton were all told they would not be starters, & would have to battle for 2nd string spots. So they left to get paid & start elsewhere.
ND’s OL in 2025 with years of eligibility remaining (all can come back in 2026).
RT Wagoner (2 years) top 50
RG Jagusah (3 years) 5 Star
C Craig (2 years)
LG Schrauth (2 years) top 50
LT Knapp (3 years)
OG Absher (3 years)
OT Lambert (4 Years) 5 Star
OT Black (4 Years) 5 Star
There is a good chance the starter LT Knapp gets kicked out of the starting lineup too & either Lambert takes his spot or Jagusah goes back there.
ND’s OL is stacked with returning starters, 5 Star young guys, & all have multiple years of eligibility.
Coogan, Spindler & Pendleton were just the odd men out unfortunately for them.