As for the North Dakota State football team ... with Payton the most likely to get the opening day start. There perhaps is no more of a signature position on defense than the middle linebacker ...

The 2026 recruiting cycle is heating up as North Dakota State has received two commitments in the last week, offered several more prospects and hosted others for a Junior Day visit earlier this week.

The All-American Bison left tackle will get one last chance to impress the NFL scouts before next month's draft.