We are continuing our countdown to the 2026 high school football season with our players-to-watch list. Here is how they are being released:

Quarterbacks — https://powerstrengthpro.com/2026-quarterbacks-to-watch/

Running Backs — Tuesday, July 28

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends — Tuesday, August 4

Offensive/Defensive Linemen — Tuesday, August 11

Linebackers — Tuesday, August 18

Defensive Backs — Tuesday, August 25

Even though spread offenses and passing attacks have taken the high school football world by storm, the ability to run the football in Michigan, especially when the weather gets cold during the playoffs, remains paramount. 

While the running backs to watch list is loaded with seniors, there are several younger players ready for breakout seasons that we will be watching this Fall. Here are the players to watch in alphabetical order:

Colin Abram, West Catholic (‘27)

The legacy of West Catholic ball carries, which has seen the likes of Timmy Kloska, Charlie DeBruyn, and Connor Olszewski, is in good hands with Abram. He shared duties last Fall with Olszewski and is primed for a big senior season.

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Jesse Bautista, Holland (‘29)

The Dutch figure to have a solid passing attack again this Fall; Bautista is an up-and-comer who looks to provide some balance for Holland this season.

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Josh Bremer, Unity Christian (‘27)

Bremer was the starting fullback last season for the Division 4 state runner-up Unity Christian, and should be featured heavily in the Saders power T offense.

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Bryson Britton, NorthPointe Christian (‘29)

Britton is a versatile Sophomore who can help the Mustangs both carrying the football and catching it.

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Jake Chapman, Coopersville (‘29)

Chapman is a strong athlete for a Sophomore, giving the Broncos one of the deepest backfields in the area.

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Derek Dyer, Sparta (‘27)

Dyer is a physical runner who saw time in the backfield last Fall and should be the Spartans featured ball carrier in 2026.

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Crew Dykstra, Zeeland East (‘28)

Dykstra is an explosive athlete who has had a monster off-season preparing to carry the ball this season for the Chix.

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Elden Grover, Grand Rapids Christian (‘28)

Grover is an elusive runner for the Eagles and helps to make up one of the better backfield duos with senior Breckton Meeuwsen.

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Lundon Hampton, Kenowa Hills (‘27)

Speed, power, acceleration, vision, you name it, and Hampton has it. One of the top players in the state, he is verbally committed to play football at the University of Michigan next year.

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DJ Hardiman, Grandville (‘27)

Hardiman will be a 3-year starter at fullback in the Bulldog tight T offense. He is difficult to bring down and also a tremendous blocker.

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Mason Herrema, Spring Lake (‘27)

Spring Lake’s flexbone offense runs through Herrema at fullback. He had a strong year in 2025 and is ready for even bigger things this Fall leading the Lakers.

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Brandon Holman, Zeeland West (‘27)

Holman got a lot of carries last season as the Dux went back and forth between the flat T and the single wing. His speed makes him tough to catch in the open field.

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Julius Hoskins, Godwin Heights (‘27)

Hoskins had a breakout season in 2025, leading the Wolverines to a 7-win season. He looks to take his game and his team to an even higher level this Fall.

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Kamden Kennedy, Lowell (‘27)

Kennedy makes the move from tight end to the backfield for the Red Arrows this season. He has the power to be that tough between-the-tackles runner that Lowell is known for.

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Ryan Kerry, Rockford (‘27)

215 lbs and runs well. Kerry is a true leader for the Rams.

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Ethan King, Belding (‘27)

King returns after starting at fullback in Belding’s wing-T offense. His top-end speed is impossible to ignore.

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Tyler Martin, Forest Hills Eastern (‘29)

The Sophomore has continued to put in the work this off-season and will be looking to make a big impact this Fall.

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Breckton Meeuwsen, Grand Rapids Christian (‘27)

An incredibly versatile back who will line up in the backfield or on the wing. He is just as capable of a runner as he is a pass catcher.

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Crobin Motman, Coopersville (‘29)

Motman burst onto the scene in 2025 as a Freshman and more than held his own on Varsity. He is primed for even bigger things in 2026.

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Jack Nash, Spring Lake (‘27)

Nash can fly, but he is much more than just a burner. He sees the field well and makes opponents miss in the open field. He recently committed to play football at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

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Cam Payne, Byron Center (‘27)

Payne will be a 3-year Varsity starter whose impact has been significant the last 2 seasons for the Bulldogs. His speed and power combination is difficult to find at the high school level.

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Beau Peterson, Northview (‘27)

Peterson has been a Varsity player since he was a Freshman at Sparta. He started at Safety for the Wildcats in 2025 and spelled Jalen Gant in the backfield. This Fall, he should be Northview’s featured back.

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Jaxson Peterson, Unity Christian (‘28)

Peterson had a big year at the Junior Varsity level in 2025 and is poised to shine on Varsity this Fall for the Saders.

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Spencer Shoenborn, Cedar Springs (‘27)

Schoenborn will be a 3-year starter at fullback for the Red Hawks. He can get the tough yards and make the big play.

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Jordan Shabazz, Forest Hills Eastern (‘27)

Strong, fast, explosive, and powerful. Shabazz has the potential to turn some heads this Fall in the Hawks offense.

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Wyatt Shook, Holland Christian (‘28)

Shook really came on as the season progressed in the Maroons backfield in 2025. He is poised to do some big things this season and beyond.

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Judah Slendebroek, Forest Hills Central (‘28) 

Slendebroek has the physical tools to make an impact, combining strength and explosiveness as he prepares for his first opportunity at the Varsity level.

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Haden Tiano, Coopersville (‘29)

Tiano is the 3rd Coopersville Sophomore on this list, and he can really go. He is a big reason why not only the future is bright for the Broncos, but so is the present.

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Caelan Tracey, Spring Lake (‘29)

Tracey was a 5th quarter player as a Freshman in 2025. He has been working hard all off-season to add to an already deep Lakers backfield. See how he’s been training here – https://powerstrengthpro.com/building-the-foundation/

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Jesse VandeGriend, South Christian (‘27)

South Christian will look to VandeGriend to provide consistency and production out of the backfield this season.

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Justin VanWagner, Hopkins (‘27)

A 3-year Varsity starter, VanWagner brings valuable experience to the Hopkins backfield and will once again be a key piece of the Vikings’ offense.

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Tanner Wolff, Grand Haven (‘27)

Wolff filled in admirably last Fall while Willemsen was injured. He not only provides depth in the backfield, but the Bucs can line up with both of them in the backfield at the same time.

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West Michigan will have some talented ball carriers this season. While more names will undoubtedly emerge as the season unfolds, this group enters the year with plenty of reasons to be on every defensive coordinator’s radar.

Be on the lookout for our Wide Receivers and Tight Ends to Watch list next Tuesday.

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