Colts are showing interest in a high upside sleeper quarterback that could end up being a star ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts hosted one of the most intriguing players in the 2026 NFL Draft class, who many believe has the potential to become a future starting quarterback in the NFL.
The Indianapolis Colts answered the biggest question on their roster early in the offseason by re-signing Daniel Jones. They still have another looming issue with Anthony Richardson’s future with the team in question. This could lead the Colts to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They already reportedly had a top-30 visit with LSU star quarterback Garrett Nussemeir, whose father was a member of the franchise in the past. And now they are adding another name to that list.
Tom Pelisserro reports that the Colts hosted North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton for a visit on Monday.
Colts hosted North Dakota State QB Cole Payton for a top-30 pre-draft visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cole Payton was a five-year college player at North Dakota State. He finally got his chance to be the full-time starter in 2025. Before that, he had only recorded 37 pass attempts in his first four seasons. He had over four times as many rushing attempts as pass attempts in that span, with 151.
In 2025, he made the most of his opportunity, finishing with 2,719 yards, 16 passing touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also added 777 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He was a true dual-threat quarterback for the Bison, and despite not playing in the FBS, he has plenty of supporters ahead of the NFL Draft.
North Dakota State has a history of getting quarterbacks drafted at this point. Two of which became first-round picks in recent memory with Trey Lance and Carson Wentz. Payton won’t join them, but some think he has a real chance to be the third or fourth quarterback off the board.
The Colts only committed to Jones as their quarterback for the next two years, so drafting a young quarterback to sit behind him could make sense. I don’t think the Colts can afford to use a premium pick on a quarterback in this class. But if Payton is there in the fourth or fifth round, I could see them considering turning in a card with his name on it.
The big domino that needs to fall before that becomes a true possibility, though, is trading Richardson. With him still on the roster, drafting a quarterback seems very unlikely. Once that deal happens, finding competition for Riley Leonard to be Jones’ backup will certainly be on the table.
