Offensive Lineman Gregory Patrick Getting Closer To A Final Decision

Portage (Mich.) Northern offensive lineman Gregory Patrick is one of the nation's best lineman, and the talented blocker is getting a lot closer to making a final decision. Recently, the 2026 standout announced a final four schools that included Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State.

Notre Dame has certainly built a strong relationship with Patrick that goes all the way back to last summer at camp.

"I was pumped at the (Irish) Invasion,” Patrick told Irish Breakdown. "I didn’t get a chance to work out, but I got a chance to hang with the coaches and learn a lot about the program.”

The Fighting Irish visited the Michigan prep lineman during the open period on January 30 and it strengthened the relationship with offensive line coach Joe Rudolph further. He stays in close communication with three current Fighting Irish offensive line commits; Sullivan Garvin, Ben Nichols and Tyler Merrill. Garvin and Nichols are fellow Michiganders that have spent time hanging out and training with Patrick this offseason.

"I’m always in contact with them (Notre Dame),” Patrick said. "We had a great conversation and really enjoyed spending time with Coach (Joe) Rudolph. We talked about the season and what the future looks like. He told me they’re probably taking four and want me.

"The offensive line is really close at Notre Dame,” Patrick continued. "Those guys (Garvin, Nichols, Merrill) treat me like I’m already part of the family and we enjoy spending time with each other.”

Patrick is focused on getting better as an overall player athlete this offseason during his recruitment that features four programs, he has genuine connections with. 

The Wolverines are the state school with a history of offensive line development, Penn State has similar history along with their offensive line unit, and Michigan State really hits home with father (Joseph Patrick) being a former Spartan lineman and his current offensive line coach at Portage Northern. He expects to take unofficial visits to his top four schools during the spring before taking an official visit in June. He’s got officials set to Penn State (May 30th), Michigan State (June 6th), and Michigan (June 20th). He set an official visit to South Bend for June 13 and expects to make a final decision shortly thereafter in late June or early July.

"I’m looking forward to my officials,” Patrick elaborated. "I’m going to be there (Notre Dame) on June 13 and after I visit Michigan, I’ll probably make a final decision in late June or early July.

"It’s going to be a tough decision,” Patrick continued. "I’m going to be looking at the (offensive line) rooms and the overall culture of the programs, and that’s going to determine what program I choose.”