Notre Dame Commit Gregory Patrick Explains Decision To Pick The Fighting Irish

Notre Dame picked up another talented player in its 2026 class when Portage (Mich.) Northern offensive tackle Gregory Patrick committed to the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame beat out Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State and others to land this talented blocker.

Notre Dame has been in a strong position with Patrick for some time due to the strong relationship he built with offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and head coach Marcus Freeman.

Notre Dame has been in a great position with the talented lineman, because of the strong relationship built by offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and head coach Marcus Freeman.

"Our relationship is great,” Patrick told Irish Breakdown. "Coach Rudolph and Coach Freeman are both great guys. It meant a lot that Coach Rudolph would spend personal time with us at our family business. That really stood out for us. That’s when he told me that I was their guy. They already had three and I was the final piece.”

Landing the Michigan prep star wasn’t shocking to most because of the strength of his relationship with the Notre Dame coaches. What was unique about his commitment was his desire to return the favor inspired by Rudolph’s January 30 visit. So he decided to make the quick trip to South Bend to tell the coaches in person.

"I couldn’t stay for the game,” Patrick explained. "I went back to be able to tell Coach Freeman and Coach Rudolph in person. It just felt like the right thing to do because of the family atmosphere and culture.”

Patrick was originally planning to complete his spring unofficial visits while continuing to assess things up until his official visits in June. After the completion of his official visits, the expectation was to make a final decision in late June or early July. However, a trip back home after a visit to Michigan would ultimately shift things in the favor of the Fighting Irish.

“I knew on April 4th,” Patrick shared. “I was driving back from a visit, and I just knew it was the place for me. I didn’t need to take my officials, because nothing compared to everything Notre Dame has to offer.

“I decided to commit because of the culture and people,” Patrick continued. “They compete at the highest level and produce great offensive linemen. The academics are second to none.”

Patrick is the 10th commit of the 2026 class and the fourth along the offensive line joining fellow Michiganders Sullivan Garvin, Ben Nichols and Pennsylvania native Tyler Merrill. He’s spent the offseason working on his strength and athleticism in training with Garvin and Nichols and having them present for his moment was a bonus to their friendship.

“We always talked about this moment,” Patrick said. “I was at Notre Dame on Friday with Sully when I told him, and I think Ben found out through the grapevine.”

Patrick will now focus on baseball and continue to train for his upcoming senior season on the gridiron. He still plans to take his June 13th official visit to Notre Dame but will not be enrolling early in December.