The 2026 Michigan high school football season is fast approaching, and the anticipation is palpable. As an expert analyst, I'm here to dissect the upcoming quarterback (QB) race in Division 3 and 4, with a focus on the candidates who are expected to shine. The question on everyone's mind: Who will be the best QB in the state? Let's dive in and explore the contenders, with a healthy dose of commentary and analysis.
The Contenders
The following quarterbacks have been identified as top prospects by coaches and are returning MHSAA all-state and/or all-region players:
- Griffin Braman (DeWitt, Senior): Braman is a seasoned veteran, having led DeWitt to success in previous seasons. His experience and leadership make him a strong contender.
- Braylon Cox (Madison Heights Lamphere, Senior): Cox is known for his precision passing and ability to read defenses. His accuracy and decision-making skills are impressive.
- Xavier Cregeur (Mount Pleasant, Senior): Cregeur's arm strength and mobility make him a dual-threat quarterback. His ability to extend plays and make big throws is a key asset.
- Grayson Fellows (Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, Senior): Fellows has a natural talent for reading defenses and making quick decisions. His leadership skills and game awareness are notable.
- Dracyn Foster (Coldwater, Senior): Foster's arm strength and accuracy are exceptional, making him a dangerous playmaker. His ability to connect with receivers is a significant advantage.
- Jackson Ichesco (Chelsea, Junior): Ichesco's poise and decision-making skills are impressive for a junior. His ability to lead the team and make smart plays is a strong suit.
- Charlie King (Grand Rapids Christian, Senior): King's leadership and game awareness are standout qualities. His ability to read defenses and make accurate throws is a key strength.
- Gerrit Koot (Mason, Senior): Koot's arm strength and accuracy are impressive, making him a reliable playmaker. His ability to extend plays and make big throws is a notable skill.
- Conner Kurncz (St. Johns, Senior): Kurncz's leadership and game awareness are exceptional. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is a significant advantage.
- Anthony Laster Jr. (Detroit Southeastern, Junior): Laster Jr.'s arm strength and accuracy are impressive, making him a dangerous playmaker. His ability to connect with receivers is a key asset.
- Caden LeClear (St. Joseph, Senior): LeClear's leadership and game awareness are notable. His ability to read defenses and make accurate throws is a strong suit.
- Blake Mathieu (Otsego, Junior): Mathieu's arm strength and accuracy are impressive, making him a reliable playmaker. His ability to extend plays and make big throws is a notable skill.
- Easton Moughton (Vicksburg, Senior): Moughton's leadership and game awareness are exceptional. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is a significant advantage.
- Kellen Paul (Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Sophomore): Paul's poise and decision-making skills are impressive for a sophomore. His ability to lead the team and make smart plays is a strong suit.
- Braden Reed (Owosso, Senior): Reed's leadership and game awareness are standout qualities. His ability to read defenses and make accurate throws is a key strength.
- Nick Robinson (Cedar Springs, Senior): Robinson's leadership and game awareness are notable. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is a significant advantage.
- Drew Sheridan (Dearborn Divine Child, Junior): Sheridan's arm strength and accuracy are impressive, making him a dangerous playmaker. His ability to connect with receivers is a key asset.
- Grayson Thurston (Warren De La Salle, Junior): Thurston's poise and decision-making skills are impressive. His ability to lead the team and make smart plays is a strong suit.
- Justin Ungurean (Lowell, Junior): Ungurean's arm strength and accuracy are impressive, making him a reliable playmaker. His ability to extend plays and make big throws is a notable skill.
- Elijah Washabaugh (Freeland, Junior): Washabaugh's leadership and game awareness are exceptional. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is a significant advantage.
My Take
In my opinion, the race for the best quarterback in 2026 is wide open. Each of these quarterbacks brings unique strengths and skills to the table. Griffin Braman's experience and leadership make him a strong contender, but Braylon Cox's precision passing and Xavier Cregeur's dual-threat abilities are also impressive. The battle for the top spot will be fierce, and it's anyone's game.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the depth of talent in Division 3 and 4. The competition will be intense, and the development of these quarterbacks will be a joy to follow. The future of Michigan high school football looks bright, and the 2026 season promises to be an exciting one.
