“We can sell the University, but at the end of the day, the young people want relationships too.” That’s what Marcus Freeman said. And it seems his recruiting pitch just shifted the tide in a major 2026 battle. Welcome to that time of year again—when high school stars drop their top school lists and suddenly everyone’s dissecting home vibes, locker room chemistry, and coaching connections like it’s playoff film. But this time, it’s not just any recruitment. It’s one of the biggest battles brewing in the 2026 class, and it’s unfolding right in Michigan’s backyard.

The spotlight? Squarely on Gregory Patrick, the 6-foot-4.5, 275-pound offensive line juggernaut out of Portage Northern High School. Ranked No. 174 nationally and the No. 2 overall player in Michigan, Patrick isn’t just another top lineman—he’s legacy. His father, Joseph Patrick, was a Spartan back in the early 2000s, suiting up for Michigan State. So, naturally, everyone figured MSU had this one in the bag, right? Well… not quite.

Gregory just dropped his Top 4: Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and Notre Dame. And let’s just say Marcus Freeman didn’t come to play. On April 12, On3’s Steve Wiltfong dropped some major heat: Notre Dame is gaining ground. Fast.

After multiple visits—nearly 30 unofficial stops across nine schools, including at least nine to in-state Michigan State—it’s the Irish who are now surging. Recent spring visits to South Bend turned into something more than just tours. Gregory left feeling something different.

“The highlights were the people there,” said Patrick. “The players, the culture, and the overall atmosphere make it feel special. I spent some time watching film with Coach [Joe] Rudolph, and it was great. I also had the chance to talk to a lot of different people on campus, including Coach Freeman. We had a fantastic conversation. And connecting with the players was really cool too.” That right there? That’s not your typical recruiting lip service. That’s a player who felt the energy.

Sure, he’s still got official visits lined up this summer with all four schools. But it’s safe to say: the Irish have the inside lane. Seems like Michigan, Michigan State, and PSU just took a hit. You could practically feel the air leave the room in Ann Arbor and East Lansing when Patrick’s visit quotes dropped. James Franklin and Michigan HC Sherrone Moore have been aggressive on the recruiting trail—but Notre Dame’s staff, led by Marcus Freeman and O-line coach Joe Rudolph, are moving ahead.

This isn’t just about vibes. Patrick is On3’s top-ranked player in Michigan and the No. 7 interior offensive lineman in the country. With his size, athleticism, and bloodline, he’s exactly the kind of anchor Freeman wants up front for the Irish’s next CFP push. And after losing to Ohio State in the national title game last season, the Irish aren’t just tinkering around. They’re rebuilding for revenge—and stacking up recruits like Gregory Patrick is how you get back to that stage. And Marcus Freeman’s momentum isn’t just tied to Patrick.

Momentum builds for Marcus Freeman and Co. in recruiting

Enter Rodney Dunham, the 5-star EDGE who sent shockwaves through the recruiting world earlier this week. He committed to Notre Dame with a simple post that said, “Thank you Jesus.” Simple words, big message.

Dunham turned down offers from Georgia, Duke, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Why? Because Freeman and staff were locked in on him for two years. That kind of patience? That kind of focus? It’s exactly why Notre Dame’s 2026 class is becoming a serious national storyline.

Dunham is the 9th commit in what’s shaping up to be an electric class, already featuring names like Dylan Faison, Chaston Smith, and Noah Grubbs. With Dunham and Patrick possibly headlining the trenches on both sides of the ball, South Bend might just be gearing up for its deepest class in a decade.

Don’t forget—Marcus Freeman’s journey started with a tough Fiesta Bowl loss in 2021. He was handed the interim tag in the middle of chaos. But now, heading into his fourth year as head coach, he’s quietly become one of the most effective recruiters in the country. He’s stacked five postseason wins, including three last season, and took the Irish within one game of glory. Now, he’s doing what elite coaches do: building depth, developing stars, and winning off the field just as often as on it.

And remember, this is just spring. If Freeman keeps this up through the summer visit cycle, don’t be surprised if another #ThankYouJesus moment hits X—this time from the top O-lineman in Michigan. And if that happens? Well, the Midwest recruiting map just might need a redraw.