Wolverine Digest

RECRUITING: Number one recruit in Michigan unveils his top four schools pitting rivals against one another

Making the top four in a battle for an elite recruit is always a good sign, but the work is just beginning in the recruitment of an elite local talent

Jerred Johnson

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The famous saying that all Michigan Wolverine fans love to spout is "The best in Michigan, go to Michigan". The best in Michigan last year was Bryce Underwood, he was actually the best in the entire nation, and he ended up at The Big House wearing maize and blue. The number one rated recruit in the mitten state for 2026 is 6-foot-5 270-pound IOL Gregory Patrick from Portage, Michigan, he recently released his top four schools, and the Wolverines made the cut. Along with Michigan, Patrick included rival Michigan State, Big Ten foe Penn State, and perennial recruiting combatant Notre Dame.

Again, never a bad sign to make the top four, much more difficult to be left out of the cut and have to fight your way back into contention. With some of the blue blood programs that Patrick is looking at this one is going to be a battle. Michigan has prioritized landing the talent in their backyard, and it will not hurt at all to have one of the most talented players in years in Underwood pitching the winged helmet to Patrick. With the success Michigan has had recently along the offensive line, and their penchant for getting those linemen into the NFL, Patrick could very well be swayed towards Ann Arbor. We have a long way to go until signing day, but I am feeling confident that this one ends up in Sherrone and companies favor.

Grant
Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome looks on after a play against Michigan State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Social media reacts to Michigan basketball escaping UC San Diego in Round 1 of NCAA Tournament

Former Michigan football OC Matt Weiss indicted on 24 counts, including 10 counts of aggravated identity theft

Where Joel Klatt predicts Michigan football players to land in post-free agency mock draft

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
Jerred Johnson
JERRED JOHNSON

Jerred Johnson has served in the United States military for over 23 years. He has a Bachelors in Marketing, a Masters in Management and is in the final phases of completing his Doctorate in Business Administration.

Home/Recruiting