Welcome To Texas Longhorns: 2026 5-Star OL Gregory Patrick Officially Announced Commitment To Texas Longhorns Over Penn State And Notre Dame…
Welcome to Texas Longhorns: 2026 5-Star OL Gregory Patrick Officially Announces Commitment Over Penn State and Notre Dame
In a significant boost to their 2026 recruiting class, the Texas Longhorns have secured a commitment from 5-star offensive lineman Gregory Patrick. The highly sought-after prospect from Portage Northern High School in Portage, Michigan, chose Texas over notable programs such as Penn State and Notre Dame.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 275 pounds, Patrick has been a dominant force on the field since his freshman year. His exceptional performance has earned him a top-20 national ranking among offensive tackles and the distinction of being the second-best player in Michigan for the 2026 class. His combination of size, agility, and football intelligence makes him a formidable presence on the offensive line.
Patrick’s recruitment journey has been extensive. In July 2024, he narrowed his choices to nine schools, including Nebraska, Notre Dame, Alabama, Oklahoma, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota. His decision to commit to Texas, a program not initially listed among his top choices, underscores the dynamic nature of college football recruiting and the Longhorns’ persistent efforts to secure top talent.
The commitment is particularly noteworthy given Patrick’s deep-rooted connections to other programs. His father, Joseph Patrick, was an offensive lineman for Michigan State, suggesting a legacy tie to the Spartans. Additionally, Gregory had been a frequent visitor to Notre Dame, attending multiple events and building strong relationships with the coaching staff, including head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph. Despite these connections, Patrick found the prospects at Texas more aligned with his personal and athletic goals.
The Longhorns’ successful recruitment of Patrick can be attributed to several factors. The coaching staff’s vision for the program, the opportunity for early playing time, and the university’s commitment to player development played pivotal roles in his decision-making process. Patrick’s commitment is expected to have a ripple effect, potentially attracting other top recruits to consider Texas as a viable destination for their collegiate careers.
For Texas, landing a player of Patrick’s caliber is a testament to the program’s upward trajectory and its appeal to elite talent nationwide. As the Longhorns continue to build their roster with top-tier recruits, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these additions translate to on-field success in the coming seasons.
In securing Gregory Patrick’s commitment, the Texas Longhorns have not only bolstered their offensive line for the future but have also sent a clear message about their intent to compete at the highest levels of college football.
