Top 5-Star QB Gregory Patrick Shocks the College Football World, Decommits from Penn State, Chooses Indiana Hoosiers Over Alabama and Auburn
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, top 5-star quarterback Gregory Patrick has decommitted from Penn State and committed to the Indiana Hoosiers, opting for a program that was not even on the radar for many in his recruitment process. Known as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 class, Patrick’s decision to bypass powerhouse programs like Alabama and Auburn in favor of the Hoosiers has left fans, analysts, and coaches in disbelief.
A High-Profile Recruitment That Took a Turn
Gregory Patrick’s recruitment was closely followed by college football enthusiasts across the nation. A 6’4, 210-pound signal-caller from a high school powerhouse, Patrick was widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect of his class. He had originally committed to Penn State after a lengthy recruitment process, where the Nittany Lions made a strong pitch to keep him within the Big Ten Conference. However, in a shocking twist, just months before signing day, Patrick announced that he was decommitting from Penn State and would be making a new commitment to another program.
As one of the most polished and highly rated quarterbacks in recent years, Patrick had received offers from nearly every elite program, including SEC giants Alabama and Auburn. Both programs had been aggressively recruiting him for months, with Alabama offering the allure of competing for national championships under head coach Nick Saban, and Auburn providing an opportunity to be part of a new era of Tigers football. Many analysts believed Patrick would ultimately choose one of these two powerhouse programs, both of which had far more recent success on the national stage than Indiana.
Yet, in a shocking and bold move, Patrick chose Indiana, a program that has not been a fixture in the national conversation for top-tier football recruits in recent years.
Why Indiana?
So, what led Gregory Patrick to choose Indiana over traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Auburn? The answer lies in a combination of factors, not the least of which was the Hoosiers’ genuine interest and the relationship they built with Patrick and his family throughout the recruiting process.
Indiana’s coaching staff, led by head coach Tom Allen, has been known for its relentless work ethic and for cultivating strong, personal relationships with recruits. Patrick himself has spoken highly of Allen’s vision for the Hoosiers, particularly the opportunity to come in and start immediately while helping to turn the program into a legitimate Big Ten contender. The promise of early playing time and being a foundational piece in the program’s future was a significant factor in Patrick’s decision.
The Indiana offense, under offensive coordinator Walt Bell, also played a role in the decision. Patrick has expressed interest in playing in an offense that emphasizes both the passing game and quarterback mobility, and Indiana’s up-tempo, balanced attack aligned perfectly with his strengths as a dual-threat quarterback. Patrick is known for his strong arm, quick release, and ability to make plays with his legs when needed, making him an ideal fit for Bell’s system.
Additionally, Patrick has mentioned the appeal of helping to elevate a program that has historically been overshadowed by its Big Ten rivals. Choosing Indiana allows him to become the face of the program and make an immediate impact, rather than stepping into an already-established system at a powerhouse like Alabama or Auburn, where competition for playing time could be stiffer.
The Impact on Indiana’s Program
This commitment is a monumental moment for the Indiana Hoosiers. Landing a 5-star quarterback like Gregory Patrick immediately elevates the program’s profile and sets a new standard for recruiting at Indiana. It shows that the Hoosiers can compete for top-tier talent, even against the juggernauts of college football. Patrick’s decision will undoubtedly attract more high-profile recruits to Indiana in the coming years, as the program looks to build around its new star quarterback.
For the Hoosiers, securing Patrick represents more than just a commitment from a talented individual—it’s a statement that they are on the rise. With Patrick at the helm, Indiana will have a legitimate chance to make waves in the Big Ten and perhaps even compete for national recognition in the near future.
What’s Next for Alabama and Auburn?
While the Hoosiers celebrate their major recruiting win, Alabama and Auburn will now need to refocus their efforts on finding a quarterback for their respective programs. Both teams remain heavily involved in the recruitment of other top-tier quarterbacks, but Patrick’s decision marks a setback for two programs that have been the standard-bearers in the SEC.
Ultimately, this shocking turn of events has shaken the college football world. Gregory Patrick’s choice to commit to Indiana may be seen as a bold risk, but it also represents an opportunity for the Hoosiers to rise to prominence in a way that few expected. As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues, all eyes will be on Patrick to see if he can live up to the immense potential and expectations placed on him. If he does, Indiana might just become a force to be rec
koned with in the coming years.
