Inside Indiana’s Offensive Line Brotherhood: The Bonds Behind the Blocks
MIAMI - Bob Bostad has seen a lot in his 35-plus years coaching offensive lines. He’s worked with units that were technically sound, physically dominant, and mentally tough.
But every now and then, he comes across a group that has something a little harder to quantify - a true brotherhood. And for Indiana’s offensive line, that bond has been the glue behind one of the most consistent and cohesive units in college football this season.
At Media Day ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Bostad glanced over at his linemen - sprawled across bleachers, trading jokes, laughing like they didn’t have one of the biggest games of their lives just days away. This wasn’t a show for the cameras. This was a group that genuinely liked each other, on and off the field.
“I think they really get along on and off the field, and that makes a huge difference,” Bostad said. “That’s something they do themselves. We don’t have to manipulate it, and that’s a big deal.”
And in today’s transfer portal era, where rosters can change overnight, that kind of chemistry doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, and a shared hunger to win.
When Pat Coogan transferred in from Notre Dame after a national championship run, he was the final piece to a line that had been quietly building something special. The seven linemen who’ve logged meaningful snaps this season come from five different states.
They didn’t grow up playing together. They didn’t all arrive in Bloomington at the same time.
But they made it a priority to connect - not just in the film room or weight room, but in the everyday moments that build trust.
That started with food. Offensive linemen and food - name a more iconic duo.
With Indiana’s unpredictable spring weather keeping them indoors, the group turned to a tried-and-true bonding activity: finding places to eat. That’s when the debates started.
Carter Smith is a loyal fan of Mother Bear’s Pizza, a Bloomington staple. Drew Evans, on the other hand, swears by Goodfellas on Kirkwood.
But there’s one spot everyone agrees on: BuffaLouie’s. Whether it’s dine-in or takeout, wings from BuffaLouie’s are always a win.
“You can’t beat BuffaLouie’s,” Smith said. “We try to be as consistent as possible. It’s tough, but we do our best.”
Once the weather warmed up, the competition ramped up. Cornhole boards made their way onto front lawns, and what started as a casual game quickly turned into a full-on rivalry.
Evans initially took the title of best player - until Coogan challenged him. And just like that, the stakes were raised.
“We compete at everything,” Evans said. “We’re about giving it your all to come out on top.”
That competitive fire didn’t just stay in the yard. It translated to the field, where the offensive line became one of the most reliable units in the country.
Their job? Protect quarterback Fernando Mendoza - another transfer who understood the importance of earning the line’s trust.
Mendoza didn’t try to force his way into the group. He showed up to dinners, joined for movie nights, and let his actions do the talking. It didn’t take long for the linemen to embrace him.
“I try to hang out with those guys,” Mendoza said. “The relationship with the offensive line is so integral - so important.
I would die for those guys. They put their bodies on the line to protect me.”
That kind of trust isn’t built in the huddle. It’s built in the little moments - the shared meals, the backyard games, the inside jokes. And it’s clear Mendoza fits right in.
“Everything you see is what you’re gonna get,” Smith said. “And I would say that his why kind of meshes into our why, too. Everything we do is for each other.”
That unity has paid off in a big way. Over 15 games, the line has allowed just 22 sacks - a testament to their discipline, communication, and trust. They’ve given Mendoza the time he needs to operate Indiana’s high-powered offense, and they’ve opened up lanes for running backs Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, who’ve benefited from six games of 300-plus rushing yards.
“It’s all them, honestly,” Black said. “From our center to our right guard, left tackle, man, you name it, I feel like they’ve done a great job.”
Now, the biggest test awaits. On the other side of the line Monday night will be a defensive front headlined by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor - two edge rushers who bring speed, power, and relentless energy.
It’s the kind of challenge that could rattle a less connected group. But Indiana’s offensive line isn’t built that way.
“Everything that they encompass presents a huge challenge for us,” Coogan said. “We’ve prepared endlessly, and one that we’ve got to continue to prepare for.”
Bostad isn’t one to compare teams across his long career. Every group is different. But if this Indiana unit can finish the job on Monday, it’ll be hard not to view them as something special - not just for what they’ve done between the whistles, but for the brotherhood they’ve built behind the scenes.
For now, though, Bostad and his “hoggies” are staying locked in, one day at a time.