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.
After spending his entire collegiate career at the FCS powerhouse NDSU, 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 dig deeper into projection, traits, and long-term upside rather than surface-level experience.
Cole Payton High School Stats and Recruiting Profile
Payton entered college football as one of Nebraska’s most accomplished high school quarterbacks.
A 2021 graduate of Omaha Westside High School, Payton was a three-year starter and team captain under head coach Brett Froendt, leading the Warriors to a 31–5 record that included a Class A state championship in 2020.
His senior season was remarkable, earning him Nebraska Gatorade State Player of the Year honors after totaling 2,742 yards and 39 touchdowns in a perfect 12–0 campaign, and he was twice named to the all-state first team.
Over his high school career, Payton amassed 5,338 passing yards with 65 passing touchdowns, added 2,122 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns, and set school records for career completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. This dual-threat foundation would define his early years at North Dakota State.
Freshman Season Served as a Redshirt Year for Payton
Payton redshirted his true freshman year, appearing in just three games in limited packages. Despite minimal reps, his athleticism flashed immediately, including a 37-yard touchdown run against Valparaiso. Because he appeared in only three games, Payton preserved his redshirt and retained full eligibility.
Stats
- Passing: 1-of-3
- Rushing: 8 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs
Redshirt Freshman Season Builds Payton’s Foundation
Payton played in all 13 games, but primarily as a situational runner and change-of-pace quarterback. This was largely another developmental year, with NDSU continuing to lean on Payton’s legs while slowly integrating his passing responsibilities.
Stats
- Rushing: 38 carries, 284 yards, 2 TDs (7.5 YPC)
- Passing: 8-of-12, 51 yards, 1 INT
Sophomore Season Sees Payton Take Over on the Ground
Payton’s role expanded again, particularly in the red zone, though he remained QB2 behind Cam Miller. He tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns and became a major short-yardage and goal-line weapon. While his passing volume remained limited, his efficiency and situational impact stood out.
Stats
- Rushing: 84 carries, 615 yards, 13 TDs
- Passing: 18-of-27, 289 yards, 3 TDs
Payton’s Redshirt Junior Year Cut Short by Injury
Payton entered the season as NDSU’s backup quarterback but saw his year cut short by injury, playing only 8 games. He even made a start at tailback, underscoring his versatility. Unfortunately, an injury sustained in October ended his season early. With his redshirt already used, everything pointed toward a make-or-break senior year.
Stats
- Rushing: 21 carries, 164 yards, 1 TD
- Passing: 10-of-16, 123 yards, 2 TDs
Redshirt Senior Year Stepping Into the Spotlight
With Cam Miller out of eligibility and Payton fully healthy, the Bison handed him the keys, and he delivered one of the most efficient quarterback seasons in program history.
In just one year as a starter, Payton vaulted himself into the national spotlight, finishing second in NDSU history in passing yards per game with 209.2 and fourth in total offense with 3,496 yards.
He set NDSU single-season records for pass efficiency, yards per attempt, total offense per game, and total offense per play, leading the team to a 12–1 record, including an undefeated 8–0 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play.
His performance earned him a spot on the 2025 All-MVFC Second Team, as well as Second-Team honors on both the 2025 AP FCS and Phil Steele FCS All-America teams. Payton finished with the second-highest PFSN CFB QB Impact metrics in the FCS at 89.7.
Looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow NDSU quarterbacks like Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, Easton Stick, and Cam Miller, Payton has positioned himself as a developmental NFL quarterback with legitimate upside. He may not be the most experienced signal-caller in this draft class, but few are trending upward the way Cole Payton is because of the lone season he started with the Bison.
Passing Stats
- 161-of-224 (71.9%)
- 2,719 yards
- 16 TDs, 4 INTs
- 12.1 yards per attempt
- 193.8 passer efficiency
Rushing Stats
- 136 carries, 777 yards
- 13 rushing TDs
- 5.7 yards per carry
