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Cole Payton
Bio
- Hometown: Omaha, NE
- School: North Dakota State
- Year: Senior
Measurables
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 229
Scouting Report
Cole Payton is a left-handed quarterback who made the most of his two-star rating. As a dual-threat out of Nebraska, not a lot of programs were knocking down the door to recruit him. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year for Nebraska, a two-time All-State selection, and also played baseball before committing to NDSU. He redshirted, then was the team's backup for three seasons. Finally, as a starter, he holds the school's record for completion percentage and yards per pass attempt. He also completed a Master's Degree in Sports Management and finished third in the 2025 Walter Payton Award voting. He was a Senior Bowl participant but struggled behind an overmatched offensive line.
While it was against a lower level of competition, Payton can play. He regularly looked like the second-best athlete on the field (only behind teammate Bryce Lance), and a lot of the throws themselves should translate well. Payton shows the ability to layer throws over linebackers and has enough arm strength to reach outside the numbers at all levels. He is a crafty runner who maximizes yardage in space and brings more physicality to contact than most quarterbacks. Payton regularly made throws that most college quarterbacks wouldn't dream of trying.
Rundown
Payton has limited starting experience, but showed a high level of play in 2025, making him an intriguing option late on day two or early on day three.
Player Comp
NFL Range of Outcomes
Average Backup to Above-Average Starter
For more information on Cole Payton and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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