Imagine being told you’re not good enough to throw a football, only to prove everyone wrong and earn a spot in one of college football’s most prestigious events. That’s exactly what North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton has done, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a quarterback who was once doubted for his passing ability really make it to the NFL? Let’s dive in.
As the 2025 season approached, whispers among FCS coaches and media questioned whether Cole Payton could truly lead an offense through the air. Fast forward to now, and he’s not just silencing critics—he’s turning heads. Payton’s standout performance earned him an invitation to the Panini Senior Bowl, the ultimate showcase for college football’s brightest stars, where NFL scouts and coaches closely evaluate talent ahead of the draft. And this is the part most people miss: Payton’s journey wasn’t just about proving his arm strength; it was about redefining his entire role on the field.
Payton’s senior year has been nothing short of remarkable. Beyond the Senior Bowl invite, he’s a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, recognizing the top offensive player in FCS, and has earned spots on multiple All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference teams. The Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Alabama, announced his acceptance on Friday, setting the stage for him to compete in front of all 32 NFL teams on January 31. The announcement itself was a heartwarming moment, with former NDSU All-American Grey Zabel surprising Payton with the news in a video that quickly went viral.
‘I’m a little shocked now, but honored,’ Payton said. ‘I would absolutely love that opportunity.’
In his lone season as the Bison’s starting quarterback, Payton led NDSU to an undefeated regular season, a MVFC championship, and the No. 1 playoff seed. His stats speak for themselves: a 72% completion rate, 2,719 passing yards, and 16 touchdowns. One game against Southeast Missouri State saw him throw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, the third-highest single-game yardage in Bison history. But Payton’s dual-threat ability truly set him apart. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound left-hander also rushed for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a four-touchdown performance against South Dakota State on national television.
Here’s the bold part: Despite breaking his throwing hand’s thumb during a playoff loss to Illinois State, Payton’s determination never wavered. After surgery and a typical four-to-six-week recovery, he’s expected to start throwing again around January 17—just two weeks before the Senior Bowl. Talk about a comeback story.
Payton’s path to this moment wasn’t easy. The Omaha, Nebraska, native spent four years as Cam Miller’s backup, primarily used as a running quarterback. Early in the 2024 season, he even lined up as a tight end, catching a few passes. Some NFL scouts initially saw him as a potential H-back rather than a quarterback. But 2025 changed everything. NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic noted Payton’s ‘live arm’ reminiscent of Michael Penix Jr., though he also pointed out inconsistencies under pressure. Still, Brugler’s scouting director now sees Payton as a ‘mid-round possibility at quarterback,’ a far cry from his undrafted projections just a year ago.
Payton continues a proud tradition of NDSU players making their mark in Mobile. He’ll be the 12th Bison to play in the Senior Bowl since 2008 and the fifth in the last seven years. Notably, he’s the first NDSU quarterback to attend since Carson Wentz in 2016, who went on to become a top-five NFL draft pick. Could Payton follow in his footsteps? That’s the million-dollar question.
As the Senior Bowl approaches, airing on NFL Network on January 31 with practices starting January 27, all eyes will be on Payton. Will he solidify his draft stock, or will his inconsistencies hold him back? One thing’s for sure: Cole Payton’s story is far from over. What do you think—does Payton have what it takes to make it in the NFL? Let us know in the comments!
