The Indianapolis Colts are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, with a clear focus on the quarterback position. The team is actively hosting prospects on official pre-draft visits, a key part of the evaluation process where each franchise can bring in up to 30 players for closer scrutiny.

According to reports, the Colts' latest visitor is North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton. This follows a visit from LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, signaling the team is casting a wide net to assess potential future talent under center.

Payton, coming off his first full season as a starter in 2025, put up impressive numbers at the FCS level. He completed a remarkable 71% of his passes, averaging a nation-leading 12.0 yards per attempt with 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Analysts highlight his ability to make big-time throws downfield while maintaining a low turnover-worthy play rate.

Adding to his intriguing profile is his elite athletic testing. Payton scored a near-perfect 9.87 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Score (RAS), ranking him among the most athletic quarterback prospects in decades. While scouts note he is a raw prospect with mechanical issues, his dual-threat capability and build-up speed as a runner present a fascinating developmental project.

For Colts fans and draft enthusiasts, these visits are a strong indication that the front office is meticulously planning for the long term, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the quarterback landscape for the future.