Gregory Patrick is likely the top target on Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting list. The offensive tackle from Portage Northern ranks as the 16th-best player at his position in the 2026 class according to 247Sports and holds the No. 174 spot nationally. Michigan State is one of his four leading suitors, alongside fierce rival Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, the latter of which has been increasingly active in recruiting from the state.
The Spartans don’t have a recent track record of success to lean on—those glory days peaked during Mark Dantonio’s tenure—nor do they have the deepest NIL resources. What they do offer, however, are personal ties. Patrick’s father, Joseph, played for Michigan State in the late 1990s under Nick Saban, giving the program a familial link.
The most significant factor, though, might be offensive line coach Jim Michalczik. For most recruits, a position coach is the key figure—they’re the ones spending the most time with players daily, rivaled perhaps only by the strength and conditioning coach. Patrick’s recent unofficial visit to East Lansing highlighted this bond. Speaking to SpartanMag’s Jason Killop, he recounted how Michalczik spent much of the day with him.
“We went to the [Michigan State-Michigan] game and then hit up the Dairy Store together,” Patrick shared. “We grabbed some ice cream after, which was pretty neat. I sat with him throughout the game, and we hung out a good bit beforehand too. Coach M’s a real grounded guy.
He’s got this family vibe to him—just an awesome person to be around. He’s a seasoned coach who’s been all over, which is impressive. He’s a great dude. I always look forward to spending time with him on visits.”
Last summer, after another unofficial visit, Patrick told me he appreciated Michalczik’s coaching approach and the environment he fosters among the linemen. “Every player’s holding each other accountable, coaching each other up—not just relying on Coach M,” he said. “That really caught my attention. Plus, the family-like, friendly vibe he’s built in the offensive line group, how close those guys are—that stood out too.”
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