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2025 West Michigan High School Football Preview: Quarterbacks to Watch
The 2025 High School Football season in West Michigan is fast approaching, and we’re kicking off our position preview series by shining the spotlight on some of the area’s top Varsity Quarterbacks to watch this Fall.
This group includes returning starters, breakout candidates, and elite-level recruits—many of whom are PowerStrength-trained athletes who’ve spent months in the gym getting faster, stronger, and more confident.
These QBs are ready to lead their teams and bring excitement across West Michigan this season on Friday Nights.
Here are West Michigan’s Quarterbacks to Watch, listed alphabetically:
Drew Albrecht – Zeeland West, 2027
A key piece of Zeeland West’s 2024 state championship team, Albrecht started at safety as a sophomore. He now takes over under center for the Dux.
Grady Augustyn – West Catholic, 2026
Augustyn is a returning starter for a program that’s built on winning. He’s a natural leader with a strong arm and solid poise in the pocket.
Peyton Babbitt – Orchard View, 2026
A tough competitor for the Cardinals who plays with heart and grit, Babbitt is expected to lead Orchard View’s offense for the 2nd straight fall. He recently picked up offers from Tiffin, GVSU, and SVSU.
Bryce Backus – Caledonia, 2027
Backus is one of the most highly touted QBs in Michigan’s 2027 class. He earned a D1 offer from Toledo last fall and was recently ranked the top QB in Michigan by QB Hit List. Though limited in varsity experience so far, he’s ready to keep the Fighting Scots’ QB legacy going strong.
Landon Barkey – Holland Christian, 2028
Barkey has excellent size at 6’2” and couples a strong arm with the ability to throw accurately both inside and outside of the pocket. He is battling with Griffin Leeuw (2027) for the starting job for the Maroons.
Austin Burgess – South Christian, 2027
South Christian’s next signal caller is poised to make an impact. Burgess is a name to watch for the Sailors as they look to climb to the top of the OK Gold.
Kayd Coffman – East Kentwood, 2026
Coffman holds more than a dozen D1 offers and is committed to Michigan State. The 4-star QB led EK to the playoffs in 2024 and earned all-conference and all-region honors. Expect another big year for one of the most dynamic QBs in the state.
Bryce Colbert – North Muskegon, 2026
Colbert led the Noresmen to the D7 state semifinals last fall and was named All-State. He’s a playmaker who brings leadership and athleticism to the field every snap.
Brayden Daniels – Rockford, 2026
Daniels returns as the Rams starting quarterback after a successful 2024 campaign. Brayden has spent the offseason refining his athleticism and power, ready to take Rockford even further.
Logan Dawson – Lowell, 2026
Dawson returns as the Red Arrows signal-caller and brings toughness and determination to the offense, and he’s expected to be a key leader again this fall.
Will Drnek – Zeeland East, 2027
Drnek started for the Chix as a sophomore in 2024. An emerging talent, he is one to keep a close eye on in the coming seasons.
Grayson Fellows – Kenowa Hills, 2027
After a strong sophomore season leading the Knights offense, Fellows will be counted on heavily once again this fall. Fellows already has a Davenport offer.
Rory Fish – Grant, 2026
Fish is a returning starter and one of the most improved athletes in the Tigers program.
Kyle Graber – Greenville, 2026
A former all-conference wide receiver, Graber makes the move to quarterback in 2025. Kyle brings a strong work ethic, leadership, and versatility to the Yellow Jackets offense.
Cole Haist – Big Rapids, 2026
A 3-sport standout (football, basketball, baseball), Haist returns under center for the Cardinals. Cole was all-conference last year and continues to trend upward.
Easton Hintz – Grand Haven, 2027
Hintz is expected to take over as the Bucs starting QB this fall, and is a promising young talent for Grand Haven.
Braylon Jefferson – Northview, 2027
Jefferson makes the move to Northview after quarterbacking Hudsonville’s JV team to a 9-0 record last fall. He should be a key factor for Northview this season. He plays with great energy and leadership.
Champ Kelly – Coopersville, 2029
Kelly is a freshman and has been given the keys to the Broncos offense. He is the grandson of former Coopersville head coach Jim Meerman, and he certainly has the potential to play at a high level at a young age.
Chuck King – Grand Rapids Christian, 2027
King was a varsity starter as a sophomore and earned all-conference honors in 2024. Chuck has continued to impress on the summer camp circuit and enters 2025 as a rising star in the OK White.
Josh McCune – East Grand Rapids, 2026
McCune leads a proud Pioneers program and will look to keep EGR in contention behind a smart, balanced offensive attack.
Owen Ostipow – Forest Hills Northern, 2027
Ostipow started as a sophomore last fall and returns in 2025 with added size and confidence. Expect big things from the Huskies QB1 this season.
Kenric Penkevich – Forest Hills Eastern, 2026
A poised and intelligent signal-caller, Penkevich looks to step into the starting role this fall and lead the Hawks with command and consistency.
Odin Spencer – Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 2028
Spencer started on varsity as a freshman for the Cougars and is incredibly talented. He’ll continue developing in a strong CC program that’s known for elite quarterback play.
Joe Thole – Mona Shores, 2026
Thole transferred from Portage Northern, where he had a productive 2024 season. He’s a leader in the huddle and a threat with both his arm and legs.
Brady Van Laecke – Hudsonville, 2026
Previously a wide receiver, Van Laecke now takes the reins at QB for the Division 1 state runner-up Eagles. Brady is an explosive athlete who should make Hudsonville’s offense difficult to defend again.
Vaughn Veltman – Tri County, 2026
Veltman led Tri County to the playoffs and earned all-conference honors last season. He continues to sharpen his skills as one of the area’s most versatile QBs.
Nick Williams – Forest Hills Central, 2026
Williams led the Rangers to a D3 district title in 2024 and returns to lead the FHC again this season. He brings size, vision, and confidence to the position.
Eli Wolters – Holland, 2028
After their first winning season (5-4) since 2017, the Dutch will turn to Wolters this fall at quarterback. The sophomore can throw it as well as run it.
Easton Wychers – Byron Center, 2026
Wychers is expected to take over for the Bulldogs, who made a memorable run to the D2 state championship game last fall. With solid tools, he’s set up for success in 2025.
FINAL WORD
West Michigan is loaded with Quarterback talent heading into the 2025 season—and these athletes are leading the charge. Whether they’ve trained at PowerStrength for years or are just now learning about us, we’re proud to highlight their work and dedication.
Be on the lookout for our Running Backs to Watch list coming soon!
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can start a specialized training program at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your free assessment and get started.
