2026 NFL Draft: Cole Payton becomes the latest QB to be drafted out of North Dakota State

Cole Payton started one season at quarterback for North Dakota State. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)

We’re used to seeing North Dakota State quarterbacks get drafted in the NFL.

Cole Payton isn’t nearly the same level prospect as Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, who both went in the top three of their respective NFL Draft classes, but he joined the list of North Dakota State quarterbacks to get drafted. And it was to the team that took Wentz 10 years ago.

Payton went to the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, with the 178th overall pick. He joins a crowded quarterback room, led by Jalen Hurts and also including Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. McKee has been the subject of trade rumors and perhaps the pick of Payton is another sign he’ll be moved.

North Dakota State has had a heck of a run for an FCS school when it comes to the NFL Draft. Wentz and Lance were the highest profile quarterbacks to get selected from NDSU, and also Easton Stick was a 2019 fifth-round pick and Cam Miller went in the sixth round last year.

Miller was the reason Payton only had one season as a starter in college. Payton took over after Miller went to the NFL and had a fantastic season. He was a second-team FCS All-American passing for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions. He also had 777 rushing yards. He set school records for passer rating (193.8), yards per pass attempt (12.1), total offense yards per game (268.9) and yards per play (9.71).