Greg Patrick, Ben Nichols and Sullivan Garvin Take Similar Paths to Join Notre Dame’s Uniquely Talented 2025 Offensive Line Class
Notre Dame’s storied legacy as an offensive line powerhouse continues to flourish in the 2025 recruiting cycle, with the additions of three standout prospects: Greg Patrick, Ben Nichols, and Sullivan Garvin. Though each player has their unique strengths and regional roots, the trio shares an almost uncanny similarity in how their recruiting journeys unfolded. Together, their stories converge into one powerful narrative — that of commitment, development, and the enduring allure of playing in South Bend for one of college football’s most iconic programs.
The Irish offensive line tradition runs deep — from legends like Quenton Nelson and Zack Martin to current NFL talents anchoring professional units. Offensive linemen who commit to Notre Dame aren’t just choosing a school; they’re stepping into a legacy. For Patrick, Nichols, and Garvin, that legacy was a significant part of the appeal, but it was also the relationships they formed — with the staff, each other, and the mission of the program — that made Notre Dame feel like home.
Greg Patrick, hailing from Indianapolis, was one of the earliest offensive linemen in the class to draw serious attention from Notre Dame. Standing at 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at 295 pounds, Patrick’s game is defined by a mix of aggression, high football IQ, and polished technique — the type of traits that offensive line coach Joe Rudolph covets.
Patrick’s recruitment began to heat up after his dominant junior season at Cathedral High School, a program known for producing FBS-level talent. He showcased his ability to anchor the left side of the line, consistently shutting down elite pass rushers and paving the way for a prolific run game. However, it wasn’t just his on-field dominance that intrigued Notre Dame — it was his commitment to academics, leadership potential, and comfort with the school’s culture.
“I knew early that if Notre Dame came calling, it would be hard to say no,” Patrick said. “They value the things I value — faith, discipline, and excellence.”
After visiting campus during the spring, Patrick didn’t take long to pull the trigger. He saw the campus, met with Coach Marcus Freeman, and built an instant rapport with Coach Rudolph. His official commitment came just a few weeks later.
Ben Nichols’ story is one of perseverance and late-blooming brilliance. Coming out of the Nashville area, Nichols wasn’t initially regarded as a top national recruit. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, he had the prototypical size, but scouts wanted to see more consistency in his technique and footwork. Nichols, never one to back down from a challenge, turned that criticism into fuel.
By the start of his junior year, Nichols was one of the most improved linemen in the Southeast. He showed dominance in both run blocking and pass protection while leading his team to a state championship appearance. As his tape circulated, college programs took notice — quickly.
Notre Dame’s staff had been monitoring Nichols since his sophomore year, but it was offensive line coach Joe Rudolph who personally championed the evaluation that pushed Nichols to the top of the board. Rudolph saw the raw talent and coached-up improvement and believed Nichols was a moldable, high-upside player that would thrive under the Irish development system.
When Nichols visited Notre Dame for a spring practice, he was struck by the emphasis on character development and football fundamentals. “The moment I saw the way Coach Rudolph teaches, I knew this was the place,” Nichols said. “They don’t just want you to win; they want you to grow.”
Following a late spring surge in offers from other Power Five programs, Nichols shocked many by committing to Notre Dame before the summer circuit began. He never wavered, despite pressure from in-state SEC programs. His loyalty spoke volumes about the strength of the bond he had with the coaching staff and the vision he saw for his future.
Sullivan Garvin, the highest-ranked of the trio, rounds out the group with a blend of elite traits and a refined game. Out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Garvin is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound mauler who has long been on the national radar. He attended every major camp on the East Coast and impressed with his footwork, hand placement, and agility in space.
Garvin’s recruitment featured early offers from SEC powerhouses, Big Ten blue bloods, and ACC contenders. Yet, through all the attention, he kept circling back to one program — Notre Dame.
“I’ve always looked up to what Notre Dame stands for,” Garvin said. “The tradition, the development, and the path to the NFL — it checks every box.”
Garvin’s relationship with Coach Rudolph was particularly impactful. Unlike other recruiters who promised flash and instant stardom, Rudolph’s pitch was about work, development, and building something special. That resonated with Garvin, whose family prioritized education and long-term growth.
On his official visit, Garvin connected with current Notre Dame linemen, including Blake Fisher and Charles Jagusah. Hearing about their experiences, both on and off the field, helped cement his decision. Days after returning home, Garvin made his commitment public, becoming the third piece in what was quickly becoming a nationally respected offensive line class.
Notre Dame’s 2025 class now boasts one of the nation’s most promising offensive line hauls. With Patrick, Nichols, and Garvin, the Irish have three players who not only fit the program’s scheme and culture but also elevate the ceiling of the unit’s future. Their blend of size, athleticism, and work ethic could make them fixtures in South Bend for years to come.
Coach Marcus Freeman praised the trio during a recent media availability. “We’ve got three guys who are all-in — mentally, physically, and spiritually. They understand what Notre Dame is about, and they’re ready to uphold the standard,” Freeman said. “You don’t often get that type of alignment this early in a class, especially across the entire O-line.”
The success of these commitments also sets the tone for future recruiting. With a strong nucleus of offensive linemen already locked in, Notre Dame can turn its attention to securing complementary skill position players and further fortifying the trenches. It’s no secret that in college football, games are won at the line of scrimmage, and the Irish are once again making sure that part of their roster is built to compete at the highest level.
Greg Patrick, Ben Nichols, and Sullivan Garvin might have come from different cities and backgrounds, but their journey to Notre Dame reflects shared values, mutual respect, and a belief in something bigger than themselves. In choosing the Irish, they’re not just committing to a school — they’re joining a tradition, a brotherhood, and a challenge.
Notre Dame’s 2025 offensive line class is already being called “special” — not because of recruiting rankings alone, but because of the character and cohesion of its core. In Patrick, Nichols, and Garvin, the Irish have secured not just blockers, but builders of a foundation that could carry the program to greatness in the years ahead.
