Turf Show Times
When it comes to the NFL Draft discussion, players in the FBS have dominated the conversation. However, there is another brand of Division I college football also taking place and being done at a high level. Over the past decade, North Dakota State has dominated the FCS football landscape and they look to be favorites once again, with quarterback Cole Payton being a big reason for that. When the Los Angeles Rams last contemplated taking a quarterback in the first round in 2016, Carson Wentz was in that discussion. Payton could enter the discussion this year.
It’s hard to ignore what Cole Payton has done at North Dakota State in 2025. While Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson lead the FBS conversation, Payton has been dominating at the FCS level. PFF has credited Payton with 21 “big time throws” this season which is second in the nation. He is also the highest-graded passer and for good reason.
Every week throughout the college football season, I have been watching some of the top quarterback prospects for 2026 and rating their performances. Payton has officially entered that conversation.
Over the past month or so, Cole Payton is a player that has been on my radar, but hadn’t committed to. There was one game that I had circled that he needed to prove himself and that game was on Saturday against South Dakota State. North Dakota State can be difficult to evaluate, especially at quarterback because their situation is typically much better than most FCS quarterbacks.
Additionally, they take the Alabama approach to scheduling, playing The Citadel in Week 1. While the Montana State Bobcats are playing Oregon, North Dakota State typically doesn’t schedule high-level FBS teams. Still, South Dakota State is a quality FCS opponent as they are number two in the nation. These are the two teams that have dominated the FCS over the past 10 years.
The best way to describe Payton’s play style is that he’s a lefty Ryan Tannehill as a prospect. He started this game against South Dakota State going 10-for-10 in the first half. That doesn’t mention that he added 17 rushing attempts for 137 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Payton had some NFL-caliber throws in this game, showing the ability to layer the ball between defenders and displayed good accuracy throwing outside the numbers into tight coverage.
It will be interesting to see if Payton gets some first round buzz at some point during the process. His performance against South Dakota State put a lot of people on notice. As Payton plays well into the FCS playoffs and an inevitable national championship, he’ll begin to rise.
Player Performance Rating: 9/10
Here’s what we’re not going to do with Ty Simpson. We’re not going to overreact to one inconsistent half of football and we’re not going to helmet scout. “What about Mac Jones?” The history of college quarterbacks at Wyoming wasn’t good before Josh Allen. How many...
