The name Babbitt in Muskegon resonates. If it’s two or four wheels of fun…it’s probably got a Babbitts sticker on it. Generations have trusted the family for the recreational vehicles, watercraft and road bikes they sell. Generations of Babbitts have kept it going, and still do. Could we soon have a breakaway from the family biz? Peyton Babbitt has his eyes set on an Agribusiness degree from Michigan State University. He might need that after the NCAA career that will hopefully get the next kid from Muskegon’s name called in a draft. This time…the NFL.
While the phone isn’t ringing just yet with offers from teams, Peyton isn’t a stranger to being seen. HIs recruiting happened mostly at different camps he attended and those keeping an eye on him must have liked what they saw. Originally on at Saginaw Valley, in the matter of about 3 days, with a call from Sparty, all of that changed and his childhood dream of heading to MSU came true. His time in prep football….he bounced around a little. 3 different teams in high school. Shores, Muskegon and finally Orchard View. Why? It sure wasn’t for bad grades or a discipline problem, it was coaching. Aaron James found his way into Peyton’s life as much more than a coach. Mentor, advisor, coach, friend and long term investor. It’s a bond we all need and to find it before you venture out into the world…you are starting out with a pot of gold.
Peyton seems very realistic about his place on the team. He’s the youngest in the “Quarterback room”, however, it’s a room filled with peers he says and they are equally part of the team. The team…they are all the kind who want to be the first in, the last out and the ones pulling hardest on the rope. After all, to be a D1 NCAA Athlete is a remarkable accomplishment, and to not even be 18 and have that under your belt? That speaks volumes of character, determination, upbringing and outlook. The football is an amazing and exciting part of college life…we can’t try to fool anyone there, but the focus for any student athlete is education and Agribusiness is where Peyton sees his future. We all have to eat. Kid gets it.
10 week in at MSU already and his first game coming up soon, we have one more reason to stand tall and be proud in Muskegon. The success and achievements of our young people…..they need to be celebrated, applauded, shared and bragged up. It’s a long and hard road to college. It’s an even longer and harder road to a D1 school. Add in having the talent to make the team…..Peyton….you’ve got an entire community behind ya….see ya in the big leagues some day.
Get Peyton Babbitt Gear! Follow Peyton on Instagram! 2026 MSU Football Schedule! Gratuitous Link for Grandpa’s Shop – Babbitt’s Online. (Thanks Eddie for the invite out! Great kid ya got here)
