Cole Payton entered college as one of Nebraska’s most decorated high school QBs at Westside High in Omaha. Coming off a perfect 12-0 season and being named Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021, he shocked everyone by joining North Dakota State, an FCS school. Still, that may be one of the best decisions he made, as he’s now in line to make history. 

As far as anyone can tell, Cole Payton is on track to become the first former 4-star recruit to sign FCS out of high school and get drafted. The 6’3, 232-pound QB posted an unofficial 9.97 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10.00, fourth out of 1,054 QBs tested from 1987 to 2026. And scouts got to see at the combine why he’s stealing attention.

His elite athleticism was on full display at the combine, where he blazed a 4.56 40-yard dash and posted a stunning 40-inch vertical. These are numbers that put him in the upper echelon of QB prospects, regardless of their college program.

After biding his time at North Dakota State, Payton seized the starting role in 2025 and immediately delivered, passing for 2,719 yards and 16 TDs while completing over 70% of his throws. He proved to be more than just a pocket passer; he showcased his dual-threat ability by adding 717 yards and 13 scores on the ground, earning the second-highest QB Impact score in the FCS and proving he could carry an offense.

Still, the pushback is obvious. Cole Payton came from a smaller school with just one starting year. Even praises are tinged with skepticism, as seen from analyst Alfredo Brown’s evaluation. 

“4.56 for Cole Payton is awesome. Great runner. Extremely accurate. Strong arm. Makes reads from the pocket. Throws well on the run. Just lacks the starts, and he’s coming from FCS ball.”

North Dakota State is a proven NFL quarterback factory. Payton follows a direct lineage of drafted NDSU signal-callers, including top-three overall picks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, alongside Easton Stick. If anything, the criticism is fuel for Payton because his rise fits that pattern, giving scouts a familiar developmental blueprint before he takes a snap.

“It just adds to the chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I’ve always had that… It’s gonna help me continue to work my tail off day in and day out and prove all those doubters wrong.”

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner went further, saying Cole Payton was the most impressive QB he heard at the podium and in interviews, and that he “could make a real run for QB3.” With that said, two NFC teams are paying close attention. 

NFC teams recognize Cole Payton’s potential

According to the PFSN Big Board, Cole Payton currently sits ninth among QBs. He’s widely projected as one of the top 10 QBs drafted in 2026. And now there’s team interest to match the buzz. Per Dom Izzo of the Fargo Forum, the 23-year-old has met with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, two NFC contenders with established starters but creative offensive systems.

The Bears could use him in run-pass packages behind Caleb Williams, especially in short-yardage and RPO sets. Meanwhile, Ben Johnson’s Lions’ offense is already run-heavy with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Adding Cole Payton gives them a physical runner who can also throw. His rare blend of size and athleticism has some teams thinking creatively. While Payton is adamant about being a quarterback, there’s chatter that his frame could allow for a ‘Taysom Hill’ type of role, or even reps at tight end, a position where both the Bears and Lions could use depth.

“The NFL has been a long dream of mine,” he said. “I’m excited to change the narrative about my throwing ability and prove to everyone and myself that I’m a legit quarterback prospect.”

After lighting up the combine, Payton is nearing history as NFL teams take notice. The conversation is no longer about whether he belongs, but rather how high he’ll climb in the draft.