The 2026 Michigan high school football season is already generating buzz across Greater Lansing, where a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen are poised to reshape the competitive landscape. From record‑breaking receiving yards to dominant line play, the region’s top prospects are drawing attention from Division I programs.
Skill Players to Watch
Wide receiver Willie Brown from Lansing Sexton topped the CAAC with 32 catches for 571 yards last season and earned a Division I offer from Mercyhurst, while Braydin Johnson of Leslie combined 63 receptions for 1,212 yards with nine touchdowns and five defensive interceptions returned for scores. Atticus Joy of Okemos adds a dual‑threat presence at tight end and defensive end, having logged 31 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown on offense.
Quarterback transitions will be a focal point, as Joel Cranmore of Leslie returns after throwing for 2,201 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025, and Braden Reed of Owosso, who set single‑season school records with 42 catches for 823 yards and 11 touchdowns, will shift from receiver to quarterback. Both bring career totals exceeding 4,800 yards and a combined 54 touchdowns, promising a dynamic passing attack.
The trenches feature standout linemen such as Lucas Cadwell of Grand Ledge, a two‑way starter committed to Ferris State who helped his team average 32.7 points per game and earned LSJ Dream Team honors, and Sam Czekalski of Haslett, who anchors Grand Valley State’s commitment and contributed to a rushing attack that topped 200 yards per game. Defensive end Asher Newman of Haslett, headed to Central Michigan, registered 52 tackles, eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss, while Trace Winter of Pewamo‑Westphalia powered the Pirates to CMAC and Division 7 titles with 2,834 rushing yards and a sack‑free season.
Running backs provide additional firepower. Channing Ridley of DeWitt, a junior with a Miami (Ohio) offer, amassed 1,184 yards and 16 touchdowns on 92 carries, while Baylor Schanski of East Lansing rushed for 1,015 yards and 12 scores and added 50 tackles on defense. Ruger Zeeman of Corunna, committed to Michigan Tech, led his team with 96 tackles and eight touchdowns, showcasing versatility across offense and defense.
Defensive Leaders
Linebackers and defensive backs round out a deep unit. Braydin Johnson’s five interception returns for touchdowns highlight a knack for playmaking, while Ruger Zeeman’s 96 tackles and two interceptions underscore his impact on both sides of the ball. The defensive front also benefits from the pass‑rushing ability of Asher Newman and the run‑stopping presence of Trace Winter, both of whom will be key in limiting opponents’ gains.
With a constellation of Division I commitments — from Mercyhurst and Central Michigan to Grand Valley State and Michigan Tech — the 2026 Greater Lansing cohort promises to extend the region’s reputation as a fertile ground for college‑ready talent. As the season approaches, coaches and fans alike will watch closely how these standout athletes translate high school success into the next level.