Just eight days remain until the 2026 IHSAA football season begins, and we’re running out of time.
Before it’s too late, we’ll be releasing a few lists to highlight some of the top returning players in the Lafayette area this year. Those lists will be broken down into three categories: quarterbacks, offensive skill players and defensive skill players.
Starting off with the quarterbacks, here’s a look at a talented group of 11 athletes. This year’s crop is largely made up of seniors, but each one of them will be looking to build on already productive 2025 season. These are names you’ll want to keep an eye on for the remainder of 2026.
Trysten Barrett, Senior, Lafayette Jefferson
Barrett’s return to the helm of the Lafayette Jeff offense in 2025 catapulted the Bronchos to one of the top passing attacks in the state. The returning senior completed 237-of-321 throws for 3,597 yards and 38 touchdowns, making him the passing leader in Class 5A and second among all Indiana schools.
Once again, the first team All-State quarterback will be a crucial piece in Lafayette Jeff’s quest to win its first regional championship.
Cooper Dold, Senior, Twin Lakes
Dold put together another year of high production for the Indians at quarterback last fall, completing 182-of-282 passes for 2,653 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also ran the ball far more in his junior campaign, finishing the season with 390 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Following up a sectional championship and historic season for Twin Lakes, the experienced signal-caller is equipped to carry the program’s momentum for another year.
Dru Stapleton, Sophomore, Central Catholic
Thrust into the starting quarterback spot as a freshman because of injuries at the position, Stapleton became a natural fit as the leader of the Knights’ offense. He put up 1,650 passing yards with a completion rate of over 60% and 15 touchdowns in eight appearances, six of which were as the starter.
Blake Biddle, Senior, West Lafayette
Biddle found his groove as the starter for the Red Devils in 2025, completing an efficient 65.6% of passes for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ran the ball for 168 yards on 47 carries and tallied six touchdowns as well.
Ayden Justice, Senior, Frontier
Justice served as a dual-threat option in his first season with the Falcons. He completed 86-of-131 passes for 1,278 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while adding 852 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns with an average of 10.3 yards per carry.
Eli Foxworthy, Senior, Fountain Central
Foxworthy completed 64.7% of his pass attempts for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also excelled in the run game with 478 yards on 59 carries and 12 touchdowns.
Brayden Heerdink, Senior, Faith Christian
Heerdink is set to keep leading a growing Faith Christian program after a strong 2025. The returning senior rushed for 916 yards with an average of 9.5 yards per carry and eight touchdowns, coupled with 968 yards and nine touchdowns in the air. Improving from a 46.8% completion rate will be his biggest test.
Jake Salts, Senior, Seeger
In his first season as a starter, Salts threw for 1,144 yards and 18 touchdowns with a completion rate just shy of 51%. He added 327 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 64 carries.
Cale Peters, Senior, Carroll
Rushed for 918 yards and 16 touchdowns for a run-heavy Cougars’ offense in 2025. He also threw for 461 yards and five touchdowns in the air.
Connor Huber, Junior, West Central
Completed 65-of-110 passes for 818 yards and 13 touchdowns for a 10-2 Trojans team last season. Added 800 rushing yards on 117 carries and scored 13 touchdowns.
Lyle Harrington, Senior, South Newton
Coming off a year throwing for 884 yards and 11 touchdowns with a 50% completion rate. Took 120 carries but finished with just 0.8 yards per attempt, which could be a point of improvement in his senior season.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Watch for these 11 returning Lafayette area high school quarterbacks this season
Reporting by Chase Gemes, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chase Gemes, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
