Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class has secured a significant addition with the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Gregory Patrick from Portage Northern High School in Michigan. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 275 pounds, Patrick is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Michigan and the No. 9 overall player nationally in the 2026 class, according to On3 .Patrick’s decision to join the Fighting Irish was influenced by several factors. He expressed admiration for Notre Dame’s educational opportunities and the coaching style of offensive line coach Joe Rudolph. Patrick noted Rudolph’s loyalty to his players, highlighting that Rudolph has never taken a transfer offensive lineman, instead focusing on developing talent recruited out of high school .The culture and direction of Notre Dame’s football program under head coach Marcus Freeman also played a role in Patrick’s commitment. He observed that the program is growing rapidly and competing at a high level, which aligns with his aspirations .Family has been a significant influence in Patrick’s journey. His father, Joseph Patrick, played for Michigan State in the early 2000s, and his uncle, Chris Patrick, was a two-year letter-winner on the Nebraska offensive line. Despite these ties, Patrick emphasized that his family’s support has been open and unbiased, allowing him to make his own decision .Patrick’s commitment adds to Notre Dame’s strong offensive line recruiting class for 2026, joining fellow Michigan natives Ben Nichols and Sullivan Garvin. His decision is expected to bolster the team’s offensive front and contribute to the program’s continued success.With his commitment, Patrick is set to bring his talent and dedication to South Bend, further strengthening Notre Dame’s reputation for developing top-tier offensive linemen.
