Payton has served as NDSU’s No. 2 quarterback the past three seasons, primarily used in a running role.
FARGO — For the past three seasons, Cole Payton has served as North Dakota State’s backup quarterback, primarily brought in as a dynamic rushing threat. But now, as he heads into his fifth year, the senior-to-be is ready to prove he’s far more than just a runner.
“I can throw — just wait,” said Payton, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, before a recent spring practice. “I wouldn’t be here playing quarterback, and I wouldn’t have been the backup these last few years if I couldn’t throw the ball. People can keep doubting, but I know what I can do.”
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 232 pounds, Payton is positioned to take over the starting role next season, though junior Nathan Hayes is also competing for the job. For the past three years, Payton backed up Cam Miller, who is now preparing for the NFL Draft.
“I’ve just been waiting for faith to turn into reality,” Payton said. “It’s all about trusting the process and staying patient. Every year, my mindset was to challenge Cam, to be ready if my number was called. We all tried to prepare like we were the starter.”
Payton has seen action in 39 games during his Bison career, including three in his redshirt freshman season in 2021. Over that span, he’s completed 64% of his passes (37-of-58) for 469 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. In 2023, he threw a career-high 27 passes — a number he hopes to surpass significantly next fall.
“Nothing is handed to you — everything has to be earned,” Payton said. “But I’m locked in and ready.”
Cole Payton appeared in eight games last season before suffering a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder, which required surgery. He described it as the most serious injury he’s dealt with in his football career, occurring during last October’s rivalry matchup against South Dakota State at the Fargodome.
“It was tough at first,” Payton admitted. “In the blink of an eye, everything can change. … It’s been a challenge, but it’s also made me better.”
Following Payton’s injury, 6-foot-3, 212-pound Nathan Hayes stepped into the backup quarterback role behind Cam Miller. Hayes completed 12 of 19 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Head coach Tim Polasek recently noted that Hayes and Payton will be pushing each other during spring camp.
This spring, Payton said his shoulder feels nearly back to full strength.
Throughout his time with the Bison, Payton has rushed for 1,141 yards and 18 touchdowns on 151 carries — an impressive 7.6 yards per attempt. In 2023, he ran for a career-best 615 yards and 13 touchdowns on 84 carries.
There’s also a new quarterbacks coach working with the Bison signal-callers this year. Joe Beschorner, who coached tight ends and fullbacks last season, has moved into the QB coach role following the retirement of longtime assistant Randy Hedberg. Beschorner has previous experience coaching Bison running backs as well.
“It’s not a huge adjustment,” Payton said. “Not much has changed. We’re in good hands with Coach B, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
After the national championship game, Payton received a text from former starter Cam Miller about passing the torch.
“There’s a lot of leadership roles up for grabs now,” Payton said. “I want to step up in that area — help lead this team and raise the standard even higher.”
North Dakota State has developed an impressive lineage of quarterbacks in recent years, with names like Carson Wentz, Easton Stick, Trey Lance, and most recently, Cam Miller. Wentz, Stick, and Lance have all made NFL starts, while Miller could hear his name called in the later rounds of this month’s NFL Draft.
For Cole Payton, seeing Wentz and Lance rise through the ranks at NDSU has been a source of motivation and patience as he’s waited for his opportunity to take the reins. Wentz was a two-year starter for the Bison, and Lance had one full starting season — both ultimately became top-three NFL Draft picks.
“I’ve kept those stories in the back of my mind while grinding and staying ready,” Payton said. “There’s definitely pressure that comes with following that legacy, but around here, we view pressure as a privilege. Being the quarterback at NDSU is something we take seriously.”
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