NDSU
Getty
NDSU's next quarterback could keep the run of successful signal callers going.
North Dakota State has produced four NFL quarterbacks since 2016, and a fifth is on his way this month in Cole Payton.
That trend and the expectations surrounding the move to the FBS after 15 years of FCS dominance rests on the shoulders of Bison quarterback Nathan Hayes. Bison head coach Tim Polasek recently illustrated how Hayes has the talent and the drive to continue replicating the success of recent signal callers in Fargo.
During spring practice, Hayes threw a pass while running and slung it downfield 73 yards, as Polasek described to the Fargo Forum’s Jeff Kolpack. Hayes saw little playing time over the past two seasons. He has a 58.7% completion rate, passing for 595 yards and seven touchdowns versus one interception. Additionally, he has 178 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 14 attempts.
“Just that kind of throw where that was a wow factor of a throw,” Polasek told Kolpack regarding the throw. “For us, we’re eager to see if he can play consistent, good, tough, clean football situationally. He has been on point making decisions but he had one poor decision the other day. Can he be a consistent player is what we’re looking for?”
Consistency has been the hallmark of Bison quarterbacks since 2011 during a run of 10 FCS national championships. Hayes will look to be next as the Bison face the strongest schedule in program history with an inaugural season in the FBS and Mountain West Conference.
Nathan Hayes Showed Flashes on the Field Before
Hayes showed his ability in the previous two seasons, which Kolpack highlighted.
That included touchdown runs of 51 and 34 yards, and he threw a 68-yard touchdown pass last season. Most of all, Hayes has been learning from former Bison quarterbacks Cam Miller and Payton since joining the program in 2022 as a redshirt freshman.
“I got a lot of good experience last year,” Hayes told Kolpack. “Cole had some big-time opportunities as well getting into a lot of meaningful games in his time under Cam. This year it’s no different, we’re looking to constantly improve.”
Miller led the team to two national championships in the 2021 fall season and 2024. He now plays for the Miami Dolphins as a backup. Payton, who started only one season last year, will wait for his name to be called during the NFL Draft.
Notably, former Bison quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance also only had one full season as a starter before going No. 2 and No. 3 in their respective drafts. Only Miller and fellow former Bison quarterback Easton Stick had more than one full season as a starter before moving up to the pros.
Nathan Hayes Ready to Maxmize Lone Season as Starter
For now, Hayes is locked in on making the most of his lone season as a starter, much like Payton and others before him did. Wentz and Lance won national championships, and Payton guided an unbeaten regular season before a stunning loss in the playoffs.
“That’s something I’ve talked to Cole a lot about just because there’s so much uncertainty with that,” Hayes said. “There’s that new leadership role where you don’t have a season to progress and show everybody what you’re capable of. You have to use the offseason to your advantage as much as possible to show that leadership and get the team behind you.”