With the 2025 class, headlined by five-star in-state QB Bryce Underwood, now in the books, Michigan’s focus shifts to the 2026 cycle. As February’s National Signing Day approaches, the Wolverines are aiming to keep their recruiting pipeline flowing. Michigan has a long tradition of dominating in-state recruiting, and that’s a tradition they intend to uphold. But with Sherrone Moore’s top in-state target taking visits to their archrival, things are heating up. This rivalry just got a whole lot spicier!

Top universities, including Alabama, Michigan, MSU, and Notre Dame, have extended offers to the 6’4.5″, 275-pound OL from Portage, Gregory Patrick. In the 2026 class, he stands out as a four-star recruit due to his remarkable size and skill set. And he has a total of 19 offers. But here’s the rival’s warning. The Mitten State’s top prospect has made eight trips to Michigan so far. And MSU, the Wolverines’ in-state nemesis, has hosted him ten times.

HC Moore might be sweating a little right now. While they’re definitely in the mix for this top in-state target, the competition is fierce. Bama, Penn State, Oklahoma, MSU, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin are all circling. But hey, Michigan fans aren’t panicking just yet. Gregory Patrick recently visited Ann Arbor and came away impressed.

Well, Patrick’s response after the visit? “It was super cool. We were able to watch film and see cut-ups. It was good getting to know how they play up front and how similar it is.” On3 considers Patrick the top prospect in Michigan, ranking him seventh among interior offensive linemen nationally and 90th overall in the country. It will be a huge accomplishment for Moore to get such a fantastic prospect for the 2026 class.

Also, Allen Trieu of 247Sports praised Patrick, saying, “He is a clear Power Four prospect and one of the top junior offensive linemen in the Midwest. He bends well, moves well, and approaches the game in the right way. He is right around 6-foot-5, so schools will have to decide where to play him.” So did the Wolverines make every effort to acquire him?

What’s the 4-star prospect’s opinion on Sherrone Moore and Co?

General Manager Sean Magee, Offensive Line Coach Grant Newsome, and Coach Moore themselves made a beeline for Gregory Patrick earlier this month. The Wolverines clearly see him as a top priority. And word on the street, Patrick walked away from that visit pretty impressed.

Patrick said, “I really enjoy the history of how they do well with their offensive linemen there. Obviously, the academics there are really good. I think Coach Newsome is a good coach. Obviously, he’s a younger guy, but he’s been there since he was a player. He’s been there forever now. Seeing the stability and how he’s taking the reins over.” They hired Coach Juan Castillo, who coached Patrick’s uncle in the NFL, to help.

It appears like Michigan’s academics and coaching staff will claim the credit. Michigan definitely left an impression on him. They’ve got a potent offense and a dominant offensive line, and they’ve been killing it on the recruiting trail lately. Patrick plans to check out spring practice at some of his top choices, including Michigan. And before he makes his final decision, he’ll be taking official visits to his top schools this summer.

Landing this top offensive lineman is surely going to be a battle. With so many top programs in the mix, it’s going to be a long and competitive recruitment process. It’ll be fascinating to see if Michigan can edge out MSU and the other contenders. Moore and Co. can certainly throw some serious NIL money, like how they offered Bryce Underwood over $10 million. But let’s be honest: building a strong offensive line is about more than just NIL deals. You need players who are passionate about the program and committed to protecting their quarterback. That’s the kind of talent Michigan needs to secure.