Jonathan Smith and Michigan State football have had a roller-coaster of a time on the recruiting trail over the past year.
Since he took over as head coach in November of 2023, he helped turn the 2024 recruiting class around in a hurry after it fell apart thanks to the Mel Tucker fiasco. While it wasn't anything to write home about, he kept it together nicely and figured out how to boost in about 30-40 spots.
The 2025 class was ranked No. 40 in the country and fans are hopeful that the 2026 class will finish even higher as he gets the program back to its winning ways.
Unfortunately, that 2026 class took a big hit on Sunday afternoon as an important four-star legacy recruit committed elsewhere after including the Spartans in his recent top four.
That's right, Gregory Patrick, son of former Spartan offensive lineman Joseph Patrick, has decided to take his talents to Notre Dame, committing to the Irish over the likes of Michigan State and Michigan. This was a tough loss for Smith and Co.
Home 🍀 https://t.co/6goJDaivdd
— Gregory Patrick (@gregpatrick75) April 13, 2025
Patrick seemed like a legacy recruit who may give Smith a chance to prove himself during the 2025 season before making a decision, but he opted to commit before any summer visits. He's ranked the No. 174 recruit in the class and the No. 16 offensive tackle, according to 247Sports.
Missing on Patrick hurts, especially since it feels like the offensive line has gained serious momentum over the past two classes, but now it's time for Smith to turn his attention elsewhere.