In a stunning turn of events, 5-star quarterback Gregory Patrick has decommitted from the Texas Longhorns and flipped his commitment to Texas Tech, rejecting an $8.7 million NIL offer from Alabama. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape.
The Rise of Gregory Patrick
Gregory Patrick, a 6’5″, 220-pound signal-caller from Manvel, Texas, emerged as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. His impressive high school career, marked by over 10,000 passing yards and 85 touchdowns, caught the attention of numerous elite programs. Initially, Patrick committed to Texas, a program renowned for its rich football tradition and recent resurgence.
The Alabama Offer
As Patrick’s recruitment intensified, Alabama, a perennial powerhouse in college football, made a significant push to secure his services. Reports indicate that the Crimson Tide extended an $8.7 million NIL offer to entice Patrick to flip his commitment. This substantial offer underscored Alabama’s aggressive approach to recruiting and its willingness to invest heavily in top-tier talent.
The Texas Tech Decision
Despite the allure of a lucrative NIL deal, Patrick surprised many by choosing to decommit from Texas and commit to Texas Tech. This decision marks a significant victory for the Red Raiders, a program that has historically been overshadowed by its in-state rivals. Patrick’s commitment is seen as a testament to Texas Tech’s growing influence in college football recruiting.
The Impact on College Football
Patrick’s decision to reject a substantial NIL offer and commit to Texas Tech has broader implications for college football recruiting. It signals a shift in the recruiting landscape, where factors beyond financial incentives, such as program culture and personal fit, are becoming increasingly important to top recruits. This development could influence how programs approach recruiting and how they balance financial offers with other considerations.
As the college football world reacts to this unexpected turn of events, all eyes will be on Gregory Patrick as he embarks on his collegiate career at Texas Tech. His decision has not only reshaped his future but also altered the trajectory of college football recruiting in the 2025 class.
