Babbitt Trades Cardinal Red for Spartan Green

June 12, 2026

The Nest, Inside Orchard View Sports
By: Justin Troyer

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Lansing, MI — Back in February, recent Orchard View graduate and former Cardinals quarterback Peyton Babbitt made a major change to his college football plans. After initially committing to play at Saginaw Valley State University, Babbitt announced he would instead continue his career at Michigan State as a preferred walk-on. 

Babbitt celebrates with teammates.

The opportunity gives Michigan State additional depth in its 2026 recruiting class while providing Babbitt the chance to compete at the Division I level. Babbitt visited with first-year Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald and impressed the Spartan staff during the recruiting process. The opportunity gained momentum following an on-campus meeting with offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. For Babbitt, the decision was easy. “Every kid who plays football has their ‘big’ program where they want to go and will die for, and it just happens that MSU was that school for me,” Babbitt told 247Sports. Sheridan's track record of developing quarterbacks played a significant role in Babbitt's decision. During his coaching career, Sheridan helped guide Michael Penix Jr. at Indiana and later worked with Jalen Milroe while serving as offensive coordinator at Alabama. “The quarterback play of these guys is proof of what he can do,” Babbitt said of Sheridan's coaching ability. 

While Michigan State is adding Babbitt as a preferred walk-on, those in the Orchard View community know exactly what type of competitor the Spartans are getting. Whether on the football field or the track, Babbitt built a reputation for leadership, toughness, and a relentless work ethic. Those qualities should serve him well as he develops within Michigan State's quarterback room and competes for future opportunities. 

Babbitt arrives in East Lansing after receiving additional offers from Grand Valley State University and Tiffin University, choosing instead to chase his dream of wearing the Green and White. For Orchard View fans, Babbitt's commitment represents another Cardinal taking the next step and proving that hard work and determination can open doors at the highest levels of college athletics.

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