NDSU's Cole Payton Emerges as Potential NFL QB After Dominant Redshirt Senior Season

The late-blooming quarterback showcased rare size, athleticism, and arm talent in his one year as a starter for the FCS powerhouse.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:39pm

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After spending his entire collegiate career at the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State University, quarterback Cole Payton finally got his opportunity as a full-time starter in his redshirt senior season. He didn't just capitalize; he dominated, forcing NFL evaluators to take notice of his rare blend of size, athleticism, arm talent, and late-blooming production.

Why it matters

Payton's emergence as a top prospect comes from NDSU's respected quarterback pipeline, which has produced several NFL talents in recent years like Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, and Easton Stick. His dominant redshirt senior season has vaulted him into the national spotlight and positioned him as a potential developmental quarterback with significant upside in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The details

In just one year as a starter, Payton set several NDSU single-season records, including pass efficiency, yards per attempt, total offense per game, and total offense per play. He finished the season with 2,719 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, while also rushing for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns. Payton's performance earned him Second-Team All-MVFC, AP FCS, and Phil Steele FCS All-America honors.

  • Payton redshirted his true freshman year in 2021, appearing in just 3 games.
  • In 2022, Payton played in all 13 games, primarily as a situational runner and change-of-pace quarterback.
  • Payton's role expanded in 2023, as he became a major short-yardage and goal-line weapon, tying for the team lead in rushing touchdowns.
  • Payton's redshirt junior year in 2024 was cut short by injury, playing only 8 games.
  • In 2025, Payton's redshirt senior season, he emerged as NDSU's starting quarterback and delivered one of the most efficient quarterback seasons in program history.

The players

Cole Payton

A redshirt senior quarterback at North Dakota State University who had a dominant 2025 season, setting several single-season program records and positioning himself as a potential NFL draft prospect.

Cam Miller

The former starting quarterback at North Dakota State University, who was out of eligibility in 2025, allowing Payton to take over as the team's starting QB.

Brett Froendt

The head coach of Omaha Westside High School, where Payton was a three-year starter and team captain, leading the Warriors to a state championship in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“Cole Payton's name has become one of the more fascinating storylines entering the Senior Bowl cycle. The North Dakota State quarterback doesn't come with the traditional mountain of college starts or gaudy multi-year passing totals, but what he does bring is a rare blend of size, athleticism, arm talent, and late-blooming production, all forged within one of college football's most respected quarterback pipelines.”

— Article Author

What’s next

Payton will look to continue his strong performance at the upcoming Senior Bowl, where he'll have the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and evaluators. A strong showing could solidify his status as a potential mid-to-late round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Payton's emergence as a top prospect out of the NDSU quarterback pipeline is a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and natural talent. Despite limited playing time early in his career, he capitalized on his opportunity as a redshirt senior, delivering one of the most efficient seasons in program history and putting himself firmly on the radar of NFL teams.