The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton plans on taking full advantage. Payton recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Payton also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pro comparisons at quarterback, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Payton better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Cole Payton: I was actually at my apartment in Fargo. I believe it was December 19. I graduated that day. It was the night before that my NFL agent informed me I had an interview in the morning. I was told my former teammate Grey Zabel was going to be on the call with me.
They tricked me and said it was with the Path to the Draft show (laughs). I got on this Zoom interview and I’m expecting to talk about Grey [Zabel] and our time together. Jack Gilmore of the Senior Bowl hops on the call and starts asking some great questions.
They blew their cover. Jack Gilmore actually isn’t with Path to the Draft (laughs). Grey Zabel hopped on the call and revealed that I was being invited to the Senior Bowl. It was a cool deal.
A virtual media interview with @GreyZabel turned into a Senior Bowl surprise for @NDSUfootball quarterback @ColePayton9 ❤️#TheDraftStartsInMobile https://t.co/s6UHgmVY3V pic.twitter.com/pHPFK6srKv
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 19, 2025
JM: Wow, that’s an awesome story and experience. It doesn’t sound like it took much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Cole Payton: Obviously, the Senior Bowl is among the most prestigious all-star games for us college prospects. I had an injury to my left thumb. I appreciate that the Senior Bowl is in late January. It gives me a little bit more time to heal and get ready.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Cole Payton: I’m looking to prove I’m an NFL quarterback. I’m not just an athlete. I thought I did a good job changing that narrative this past season. I can throw the ball with the best of quarterbacks.
JM: How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself as a quarterback for us.
Cole Payton: I think it starts with being tough and finding ways to stay on the field for my team. I keep the chains moving in critical third-down situations. That goes back to me definitely being a dual-threat quarterback. I can run the ball and throw it well.
JM: It was obvious on tape. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL quarterback, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Cole Payton: I would probably say Josh Allen. He’s a bigger dude. He obviously runs the ball well and makes plays happen for his offense. He has a huge arm. It’s a blast to watch what Josh Allen does every week.
JM: You enter the NFL draft as a one-year starter. You had a few injuries. How do you plan on addressing your ability to overcome adversity?
Cole Payton: It hasn’t been an easy road. I had to wait until my fifth year to start at North Dakota State. I stuck it out and trusted the process. I stepped up and essentially made the most of my one opportunity.
I think that speaks volumes about my preparation and ability to overcome adversity, as you said. I persevered through the challenges, even when things didn’t go my way.
JM: Do you feel like you’re heading into Mobile with a chip on your shoulder, as a one-year starter from NDSU?
Cole Payton: 100% I am. Being an FCS guy, I think I’ve had that chip on my shoulder since I was coming out of high school. I didn’t have any FBS offers. I wanted to prove those schools wrong and prove myself right.
I’ve always had that chip on my shoulder. It’s definitely coming with me to the Senior Bowl.
JM: This has been a great conversation. We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Cole Payton?
Cole Payton: I want to continue changing the narrative. That’s the goal. I’m going to represent NDSU the right way. I want to go out there to learn and have fun. I’m going to continue ripping it and making a name for myself and NDSU.
