Michigan State is dipping into its own backyard in search of quarterback depth, extending a preferred walk-on offer to Orchard View’s Peyton Babbitt - a name that might not be on every recruiting radar, but one that’s clearly caught the attention of the Spartans' staff.
Babbitt, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal-caller out of Muskegon, Michigan, is currently committed to Division II Saginaw Valley State, where he's been locked in since July. But Michigan State’s offer, which Babbitt shared via social media, could shake things up. It’s not a full scholarship, but a preferred walk-on spot from a Big Ten program is no small gesture - especially for a player without a ranking on major recruiting sites like 247Sports.
This move signals that Michigan State sees something in Babbitt’s game worth developing. He’s not coming in as a headliner in the recruiting class, but preferred walk-ons often serve a crucial role - whether it’s providing depth, pushing scholarship players in practice, or carving out their own unexpected path to playing time.
Babbitt also holds offers from Grand Valley State and Tiffin, both solid Division II programs. But the chance to be part of a Power Five environment, even as a walk-on, is a different kind of opportunity - one that could open doors if he’s able to stand out in East Lansing.
For Michigan State, this is a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. For Babbitt, it’s a shot to prove he belongs on a bigger stage. And for fans, it’s a reminder that not every key contributor starts with stars next to their name - sometimes, it starts with a walk-on offer and a chance to show what you can do.