Massive Reports: Top 2026 6-foot-5, 275-pound Prospect Highly Excited On Triumphant Notre Dame Return

After several visits to Notre Dame earlier this year and last, Gregory Patrick will return to South Bend for the Irish’s game against Miami-Ohio this Saturday.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the game atmosphere and seeing how Notre Dame plays,” said the 2026 Michigan offensive lineman.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound prospect announced a Top 9 list over the summer that includes Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

Notre Dame, particularly head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, has caught his attention.

“What interests me most is the high quality of education and how special the university is. It’s also the closest college to my home,” he noted. “The tradition of offensive line play at Notre Dame has always drawn me in, as well as the way Coach Rudolph and Coach Freeman run the program and the strong relationships I’ve formed with both of them.”

Patrick feels he can trust both coaches.

“They’re genuinely good people and very down-to-earth, which I value. There’s no nonsense with either of them,” he said.

He has already visited Michigan and Michigan State this season, attending Michigan’s loss to Texas and Michigan State’s close win over Florida Atlantic.

“Both games were exciting. Even though Michigan didn’t get the result they wanted, the atmosphere was amazing. For Michigan State, with a new coaching staff, they were just getting started, so there’s a lot of potential,” he said of his experiences.

Patrick doesn’t have any additional trips planned yet beyond this weekend.

“I’ve been taking it as it comes, based on my football schedule and family commitments,” he explained.

The Portage Northern High School standout anticipates making his next cut sometime next year.

“It will happen naturally when I take my official visits. I plan to visit more next spring, and my experiences this season will help determine where I go for those official visits.”

So, do the Irish have a solid chance of getting one of those visits?

“Absolutely!”