Who is Cole Payton? Meet FCS QB Eagles drafted over Garrett Nussmeier, Diego Pavia
Philadelphia has added a second quarterback this offseason, this time via the draft, taking an FCS star.
Who is Cole Payton? Meet FCS QB Eagles drafted over Garrett Nussmeier, Diego Pavia originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Howie Roseman’s philosophy of stacking NFL-caliber quarterbacks has continued this offseason. Despite having a former Super Bowl MVP and bona fide starter in Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason acquired veteran Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers , who slots in as a potential QB2 alongside Tanner McKee. But at the 2026 NFL Draft, Roseman struck again.
In the fifth round, the Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, who isn’t just a left-handed passer — he’s one of the more dynamic athletes and rushers in the class. Here’s what to know about Payton as he joins Hurts, Dalton, and McKee in Philadelphia’s quarterback room. SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Big board of top 257 players Who is Cole Payton?
Cole Payton is a five-year North Dakota State quarterback who got just one year as the Bison’s starter but excelled in that role last season. As a member of an FCS powerhouse — which will soon be upgraded to FBS in the Mountain West — Payton was a backup as NDSU won multiple national titles, then became an efficient two-way star in 2025. The native of Omaha, Neb.
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