Top Illinois offensive line prospect Gregory Patrick has announced his return to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, solidifying his commitment to the team. The 2026 recruit from Portage Northern High School in Michigan had previously visited Notre Dame in March and is scheduled to return to campus on June 18th. Patrick expressed his admiration for the university, highlighting its proximity to home and the strong tradition of offensive line play at Notre Dame. He also praised the coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and head coach Marcus Freeman, for their genuine approach and the positive relationships they’ve built with him. ([Athlon Sports][1], [Irish Sports Daily][2], [On3][3])
This announcement comes on the heels of several other significant commitments to Notre Dame’s offensive line. In October 2024, three-star offensive lineman Cameron Herron flipped his commitment from Iowa to Notre Dame after an official visit. Herron, a senior at Indianapolis Warren Central, had previously visited Notre Dame multiple times before committing to Iowa but chose to join the Fighting Irish after the coaching staff expressed interest in him as a future center. ([On3][3], [Rivals][4])
Additionally, four-star offensive tackle Owen Strebig from Waukesha, Wisconsin, committed to Notre Dame in January 2024. Strebig, ranked as the No. 125 overall player and No. 12 offensive tackle in the 2025 class by the On3 Industry Ranking, chose the Irish over offers from Wisconsin, Southern California, Miami, and Florida State. His decision was influenced by strong relationships with coaches Freeman and Rudolph, as well as the academic opportunities at Notre Dame. ([On3][3])
These commitments reflect Notre Dame’s continued emphasis on strengthening its offensive line, a cornerstone of the program’s success. With the addition of Gregory Patrick, the Fighting Irish are poised to maintain their tradition of excellence in the trenches.