FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cole Payton

Cole Payton (QB – North Dakota State)

6-foot-3 | 233 Pounds

Background

Cole Payton is a left-handed quarterback who redshirted after three appearances in 2021, then rotated in over the next three seasons, rushing more often than throwing. His best season took place in 2023, in which he posted 84-615-13 (7.3) on the ground and added 289 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Payton became North Dakota State’s starting quarterback in 2025, leading the team to a 12-1 record and throwing for 2,719 yards (72% completion rate, 12.1 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, with 136-777-13 (5.7) on the ground.

Positives

Big, well-built quarterback who enjoyed a lot of success this past season, playing in an offense that had traditional shotgun spread looks with a lot of package plays and designed runs built in. Sets up with a solid base, avoiding a heel click at the end of his drops. Gets the ball out quickly in the short game. Has a pretty quick throwing motion and a high release point.

Payton does a good job of transferring his weight into throws and has solid arm strength to drive the ball outside of the numbers or rifle passes into windows over the middle of the field. Shows good ball placement, especially down the field. Flashes the ability to hit checkdowns with touch.

Willing to stand in the pocket and take a hit to make a throw. Dynamic runner who has solid speed for the position and shows very good power and balance to shake off contact, with above-average elusiveness. Gets carries on draws and run-pass options, especially in short-yardage situations and near the goal line.

Payton can escape from pressure and extend the play, shrugging off would-be sacks, running away from backside pursuers and flashing the ability to climb up in the pocket against outside pressure. Punishes defenses when they leave the middle of the field open.

Negatives

Only one year of starting experience at the FCS level. Needs more experience working through progressions, as the vast majority of his throws are first reads. Has “one and run” tendencies, even from clean pockets, trusting his legs more than his ability to work through progressions. Processing/recognition is still raw.

Payton doesn’t always keep his eyes downfield when he starts moving in the pocket. Generally, an accurate quarterback, but placement can suffer when he throws without resetting his feet. Leans a little bit heavily on his fastball. At times, deep balls don’t have quite as much arc on them as you’d like. Sustained a season-ending injury in 2024, which will require further investigation.

Summary

Payton is a big, strong quarterback with solid fundamentals and impressive arm strength. A genuine dual-threat who punishes defenses as a scrambler and on designed runs. His upside should be of interest to pro teams, even with just one season of FCS starting experience under his belt.

Besides the jump in level of competition, Payton’s biggest challenge will be working through progressions, having relied heavily on first reads in school and tending to run when his primary receiver wasn’t open. From a tools-based perspective, though, there’s a lot to like, and he could probably contribute in a tailored run-based package early on.

Projection: Round 5

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THOMPSON –  Jason Schwabe, the principal of Thompson Middle and High School, has been named the 2026 North Dakota Secondary Principal of the Year.

The award is presented by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (NDASSP) in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Both organizations work to support and highlight leaders in education.

Schwabe said he is honored by the award and that his work wouldn’t be possible without the support of his community.

“It’s been a real humbling experience knowing the tremendous leaders that we have across the state, and knowing that I’ve been recognized is a great honor,” he said. “From a young age, I guess I’ve always liked working with kids and just trying to provide them the best school experience and all the opportunities available to us that will guide them for the rest of their school years and into their post-secondary career.”

This school year is Schwabe’s 22nd year as a high school principal, with 18 of those years serving in Thompson Public Schools. In a press release by the NDASSP, Schwabe is described as a leader who fosters a “culture where students feel respected, listened to, and prepared for success in school, career, and life.” He is highlighted for his work expanding support services to staff members, bringing teachers together in collaboration and leading with “authenticity and purpose.”

Schwabe has been invited to the National Education Leadership Awards, where he will be recognized alongside other educational leaders across the nation. He said he is planning to attend the event, which will take place in Washington, D.C. in mid-April.

Sophia is the K-12 education reporter for the Grand Forks Herald.

GRAND FORKS — Incumbent state Rep. Eric Murphy is running again to represent District 43 in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

A Republican from Grand Forks, Murphy is seeking his second term as a delegate of District 43.

“In 2022, I promised the residents of District 43 that when I was elected, I would represent all the people in District 43, not just those who voted for me,” Murphy said in a release sent to the media. “I held fast to that idea and worked hard to always respond to constituents in District 43 and elsewhere. While I may not always agree with a constituent’s position, I appreciate their participation in the political process and giving me an opportunity to understand their perspective on an issue.”

He said that his first session was spent transitioning from from his full-time job as an academic scientist to that of a legislator.

In his first session, he served on the House Education and Transportation committees, then was on the interim Education Committee and K-12 Funding Task Force. In his second term, he moved to the Appropriations Committee and the Human Resources Subcommittee. In the current interim, he is on the Budget Section, Human Resources Appropriations Committee, interim Education Committee and the Special Education Funding Committee.

“Education remains an important part of my legislative emphasis, working to enhance K-12 public education across North Dakota,” he said.

The release he sent to the media notes that he worked on a $1.9 million budget increase for addressing domestic abuse and restored funding for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders clinic at UND. He also worked to embed two Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents with the Grand Forks Police Department, helping assist local and regional agencies in combating cybercrime and cybersex crimes against children.

“When I went to Bismarck, I went ready to work for the residents of District 43, for Grand Forks and for all of North Dakota. I think I’ve done that,” Murphy said in his release.

Murphy graduated from Hastings College in Nebraska with majors in history and biology and completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at The Ohio State University. He was in the pharmaceutical industry, then was was an assistant research professor at Texas A&M and later held a National Research Council Senior Fellowship at the National Institute on Aging before joining the faculty at UND. He is married, with three adult children.

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