Trey Lance’s bro won’t be drafted as early but could be better player

• Bryce Lance, brother of NFL quarterback Trey Lance, is a wide receiver prospect from North Dakota State University.
• He became a constant touchdown threat for the Bison, leading the FCS with 17 receiving scores in 2024.
• Draft analysts believe his explosive traits could make him a Day 2 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

INDIANAPOLIS − Bryce Lance has been a wide receiver from the start. That’s because he always had a talented quarterback throwing to him – his older brother, Trey.

“Caught from my brother growing up all the time, so that’s kinda how that happened,” Bryce Lance told USA TODAY Sports on Feb. 27 at the NFL’s annual scouting combine.

“I was tagging along with him and would end up catching from him in the backyard any chance we got.”

The tagalong often followed the paths taken by Trey, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Bryce Lance, a North Dakota State University product like his older sibling, won’t get selected nearly that early this April. Yet he also seems well positioned to blaze a professional trail distinctly different than big bro’s – or even dad’s. (Carlton Lance played in the Canadian Football League and World League of American Football in the 1990s.)

“He was kind of living under Trey’s shadow. And having an older brother that is in the league is pretty cool, and I’m sure he’s learned so much from Trey,” says Cole Payton, Bryce Lance’s Bison quarterback in 2025.

“But the thing about Bryce is he made a name for himself – not because of Trey but because of Bryce. He’s an amazing talent, but it’s because he works his (butt) off. He’s a baller, great teammate.”

Bryce Lance carved out role as TD threat at SDSU

Bryce Lance, who arrived in Fargo in 2021 on the heels of Trey’s departure, wasn’t an immediate college football star. But having been around the North Dakota State program while Trey was there, Bryce never doubted he was in the right place.

“I had so many connections up there already and had obviously been to so many games and made connections with coaches and teammates and the community behind the whole program,” said Lance, who was offered a scholarship during his junior year of high school in Marshall, Minnesota.

“The thing about North Dakota is there’s no professional team. So really all they’ve got is NDSU football, which is really cool for us,” added Lance, who received compelling opportunities to transfer elsewhere but declined.

“The fans are second to none. … It’s a really cool spot.”

And a spot where his presence was unmistakable once he became a starter in 2024, when he led the FCS with a school-record 17 receiving touchdowns. That success continued into 2025, after which Lance was honored as an FCS All-American. Over the last two years, he racked up 126 receptions for 2,150 yards and 25 TD grabs. A consistent deep threat, he averaged 17 yards per catch.

“Bryce’s speed – it’s unmatched, the way he can move his body and get around defenders is so special,” said Payton.

“Really, I’m just throwing it up to Bryce, and I know he’ll be there because of how fast and athletic he is.”

Explosive traits could make Lance a Day 2 NFL draft pick

While agreeing with Payton’s assessment, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller noted other traits that will help Lance in the NFL − and might just get him chosen on Day 2 of the draft.

“He has the ability to carry defenses down the field. He high points well, he tracks the ball so well over either shoulder,” said Miller. “And then he uses that speed to pull away from the defenders.”

Said Lance: “When the ball’s in the air, the only mentality you have is, ‘it’s mine or no one’s.’ That’s kinda the mindset I’ve had these past two seasons.”

Roughly 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Lance was ranked 34th on The Athletic’s “Freaks List” last year. He looks forward to showcasing his speed, vertical leap and broad jump – all indicators of high-end explosiveness – during the combine’s wide receiver testing on Feb. 28. He also hopes to surprise scouts with improved route running.

“If I’m known as the deep threat guy, that’s great. Obviously, I want to keep expanding my game into mid-level, short-level routes as well,” said Lance, who believes his ball skills are also a major strength.

“Deep routes are fun to run, not gonna lie. Catching a deep ball and going to score is fun for sure, but I want to be an all-around wide receiver at the end of the day.”

Still, Lance, whom Miller compares to Indianapolis Colts deep striker Alec Pierce, thinks his ability to stretch defenses could quickly earn him significant playing time in the NFL – something his brother has struggled to find during his five pro seasons. (Trey Lance spent the 2025 season as a backup with the Los Angeles Chargers, his third NFL team, and is scheduled to become a free agent in a few weeks.)

But, naturally, Bryce is leaning on Trey as he navigates the pre-draft process. The brothers talk daily and plan to get together following the combine. Bryce will also begin doing on-field work with Trey in preparation for North Dakota State’s March 19 pro day.

“The main thing my brother told me was to be myself, honestly,” said Bryce Lance. “He knows I’m a hard worker. He knows I do the right things, be at the right spot where I’m supposed to be. Really just this whole process is about being yourself, working hard and doing everything you can to make it.”

And Lance just might make it further, from a pro football perspective, than anyone else in his family.