With the Tate Foertsch Tate Foertsch QB Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA -era coming to a close following Bishop Garrigan’s comeback win over Woodbine in the 8-Man state title game last fall, someone will have to take over under center for the Golden Bears. It’s no guarantee, but Michael Joyce Michael Joyce 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR/DB Bishop Garrigan | 2027 IA sure looks the part after finishing the year as Foertsch’s leading receiver each of the last two seasons.

On last year’s state championship squad, Joyce grabbed 29 receptions for 494 yards and eight scores as a receiver. He added 29 tackles and five interceptions, including a pick-six on defense. Like the rest of the group, Joyce also helped out on special teams, returning ten kicks for 324 yards and two scores.

If there’s anyone that can help carry on the legacy of the Golden Bears’ winning ways, it may be Joyce by way of a position change. An elusive runner and one of the best athletes at BG, Joyce may carry the torch at QB, or keep it rolling at WR. A tall, lanky athlete that saw the court as a PG for the state-qualifying basketball squad, a position change to QB could make a lot of sense for he and the reigning 8-Man state champs.

While listed as QB/DB, Michael Joyce Michael Joyce 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR/DB Bishop Garrigan | 2027 IA made a significant impact as the top target for Tate Foertsch Tate Foertsch QB Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA as Bishop Garrigan ran off with the 8-man league title on a perfect record. Joyce finished with 494 receiving yards on 29 receptions (17 YPC) and 8 TDs. Proving to be a stellar all-purpose threat, Joyce added 5 INTs on defense as well as 2 kick return TDs on special teams. Utilizing his unique athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability well on offense, Joyce was able to find himself getting open often down the sidelines, proving to stretch the field and very much capable of taking it to the house whenever the ball is in his hands. Joyce’s usage may change with the change at QB in 2026, though one way or another, Joyce should remain a premier playmaker for the Golden Bears at all three phases of the game.