Get to know Bryce Lance, the North Dakota State wide receiver drafted No. 136 overall by the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are five key facts, stats, and background details about the Saints' fourth-round draft pick.
Elite big-play threat
Lance averaged 21.2 yards per catch in 2025, ranking sixth in the FCS and highlighting his vertical field-stretching ability.
Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons
Lance became the first player in North Dakota State history with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Record-setting touchdown production
Lance led the FCS with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2024, setting a single-season school record and tying the Missouri Valley Conference mark.
Strong NFL bloodlines
Bryce is the brother of Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and son of former professional defensive back Carlton Lance.
Elite athletic testing numbers
Lance turned heads at the NFL Combine with a 4.34 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical, and 11-foot-1 broad jump.
Bryce Lance | College Stats (Wide Receiver)
| Year | GP | GS | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec Avg | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 16 | 13 | 75 | 1,071 | 14.3 | 17 |
| 2025 | 13 | 13 | 51 | 1,079 | 21.2 | 8 |
| Total | 57 | 26 | 127 | 2,157 | 17.0 | 25 |
View photos of Bryce Lance after being drafted No. 136 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft. See images of the North Dakota State University wide receiver from his college career and pre-draft process.
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance runs a route during the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance runs a route during the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance reacts following the FCS Championship NCAA college football game against Montana State, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance reacts after teammate quarterback Cam Miller scored a touchdown run against Montana State during the first half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance (26) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance runs a route during the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance, right, makes a catch in front of Montana State cornerback Simeon Woodard tpduring the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance (26) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance, left, catches a touchdown pass in front of Montana State safety Dru Polidore (2) and a teammate during the first half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance (26) participates in the vertical jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Photo from the Youngstown State at North Dakota State football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance runs a route against Montana State during the second half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance (26) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Photo from the Northern Iowa at North Dakota State football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance (26) goes through drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
