Early Life & Background

Trey Lance was born and raised in Marshall, a small city in rural East Texas. The region’s deep football culture and high school programs have produced numerous NFL talent over the years, but Lance emerged as a uniquely gifted prospect from an early age. Growing up in a tight-knit, hardworking family, Lance was introduced to football by his father, who emphasized discipline, work ethic, and fundamental development. His upbringing in Marshall instilled in him a quiet resilience and a competitive drive that would later define his journey to professional football.

Marshall, Texas, is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the late, legendary NFL coach Tom Landry, whose disciplined and methodical approach to leadership left a lasting impression on the community. Lance’s father, Carlton Lance, was a high school football coach in the area, coaching at Marshall High School during Trey’s formative years. This environment exposed Trey to structured football from a young age, blending academic rigor, athletic training, and family values. Though his father’s coaching career did not extend to Trey directly at the high school level, the foundation he helped build in Marshall fostered Trey’s love for the game and his physical development.

Lance’s athletic excellence became apparent early. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 200 pounds by the time he reached high school, he possessed an uncommon combination of size, speed, and arm talent for a young quarterback. His early play often involved contributions on both sides of the ball, reflecting a versatility that would later become a hallmark of his high school career. Though Marshall was not traditionally known as a football powerhouse at the time, opportunities in the region allowed Lance to showcase his abilities against high-caliber competition.

In addition to football, Lance was a standout track athlete, competing in events such as the long jump and 100-meter dash. His speed and explosiveness translated well to the football field, making him a dual-threat prospect capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. Family values, daily discipline, and community support shaped Trey’s character, instilling humility and a focus on improvement—qualities that would later be observed by NFL scouts and coaches.

High School Career

Trey Lance attended Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas, where he emerged as one of the most dynamic and highly recruited two-way athletes in the state. His high school career spanned four seasons, during which he earned accolades for his dual-threat ability, leadership, and clutch performances. Despite playing in a program that did not consistently contend for state championships, Lance’s individual brilliance drew attention from college recruiters across the country.

As a freshman and sophomore, Lance primarily played wide receiver and defensive back, showcasing his athleticism and versatility. His speed and agility allowed him to excel in multiple roles, but his true potential became evident when he transitioned to quarterback during his junior year. The move was not without challenge—Marshall’s offensive system at the time was run-heavy, and Lance had to adapt quickly to reading defenses and making pre- and post-snap decisions at an elite level.

During his junior season, Lance threw for 2,094 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 1,125 yards and 20 scores. His dual-threat impact was staggering: he accounted for 33 total touchdowns and led Marshall to the Texas Class 5A Region II playoffs, a significant accomplishment for a program that had historically struggled to qualify for postseason play. His performance earned him first-team All-District honors and established him as a top-tier quarterback prospect in Texas.

Entering his senior year, Lance committed to North Dakota State University (NDSU) in May 2019, choosing to bypass powerhouse programs like Alabama and Georgia. The decision baffled some analysts, as NDSU was not a traditional football powerhouse like the SEC or Big Ten. However, Lance’s parents had long admired the program’s emphasis on player development, discipline, and a system tailored to developing dual-threat quarterbacks. His high school coach, Brian Berry, later noted that Lance was drawn to the “family atmosphere” and the “structured yet innovative offensive system” at NDSU.

As a senior, Lance threw for 2,747 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,333 yards and 13 touchdowns, finishing with 41 total touchdowns. He led Marshall to a 10-2 record and another playoff appearance, further cementing his reputation as a generational talent. His final high school highlight came in the first round of the 2020 playoffs, where he led his team to a close victory with a game-winning touchdown drive. By the end of his high school career, Lance had compiled over 6,500 passing yards and 70 passing touchdowns, along with more than 3,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. He was named the Texas District 15-5A MVP for two consecutive years and earned a spot in the 2020 All-American Bowl, where he showcased his skills against elite defensive talent.

His development in Marshall—from a multi-sport athlete to a dominant dual-threat quarterback—laid the groundwork for his college success. Scouts were drawn to his rare physical tools, poise in the pocket, and ability to extend plays. His high school film revealed a quarterback with exceptional pocket movement, arm talent, and the composure of a veteran. This combination of traits made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

College Career

Trey Lance attended North Dakota State University, where he played for the Bison from 2019 to 2020. During his college tenure, he played in 17 games, starting 14 of them. His time at NDSU was brief but impactful, and it positioned him as one of the most unique prospects to enter the NFL Draft in recent years.

Lance redshirted in 2018 as a true freshman due to injury and academic transition, then saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2019. He made his collegiate debut in a blowout win against Stony Brook, completing 6 of 11 passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 64 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. His most notable contribution that season came in the FCS playoffs, where he threw a crucial 15-yard touchdown pass to secure a first-round victory over Nicholls State. However, his role remained secondary to senior quarterback Easton Stick, NDSU’s two-time FCS All-American.

The turning point in Lance’s college career came in 2020 when he was named the Bison’s starting quarterback after Stick graduated. The 2020 FCS football season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened schedule and limited non-conference games. North Dakota State played just five games that year, but Lance seized the opportunity to showcase his elite talent.

In his first collegiate season as a full-time starter, Lance completed 37 of 59 pass attempts (62.7%) for 662 yards and five touchdowns. However, his rushing impact was the highlight, as he amassed 433 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 62 attempts. He led the Bison to a perfect 5-0 record and a return trip to the FCS playoffs. In the first round of the 2020 FCS Playoffs, Lance threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Central Arkansas, then added 84 rushing yards and two more scores. His ability to generate explosive plays on the ground and through the air drew comparisons to dynamic NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.

While his passing volume was modest due to NDSU’s run-heavy system, his efficiency and impact were undeniable. He demonstrated advanced pocket presence, accuracy on intermediate throws, and the ability to extend plays with his legs without losing structure. His completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and yards per attempt were all excellent for a first-year starter with limited game experience.

Despite the small sample size, Lance’s 2020 performance was enough to solidify his draft stock. Scouts praised his prototypical size (6’4”, 226 lbs), high-level arm talent, and rare combination of athleticism and football IQ. His ability to operate within a pro-style offense—something he had not done extensively in high school—was a point of emphasis in his evaluations. While his college career lacked the volume of traditional Power Five quarterbacks, his “one-year wonder” status was mitigated by the quality of his production and the strength of North Dakota State’s program.

Ultimately, Lance declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after just one season as a starter, forgoing the option to return for a second year. His decision reflected confidence in his talent and readiness for the next level. His college career, though brief, positioned him as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in years—a dual-threat playmaker with the size, arm, and mobility to excel in modern NFL offenses.

NFL Draft

Trey Lance entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a polarizing yet highly anticipated prospect. After a standout one-year stint as a starter at North Dakota State, he was viewed by some teams as a developmental “project” quarterback with immense untapped potential, while others saw him as a franchise-changing talent ready to revolutionize an offense with his athleticism and arm. His draft stock soared during the pre-draft process, fueled by impressive measurements at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash—an elite time for a quarterback—and posted a 38.5-inch vertical leap. His physical profile and tape quickly made him one of the most talked-about players in the draft class.

The San Francisco 49ers, coming off a Super Bowl berth in 2020 and looking to groom a successor to 43-year-old franchise icon Jimmy Garoppolo, traded up to select Lance with the third overall pick. The Minnesota Vikings moved back from the third spot to the 12th overall pick to acquire the 49ers’ first-round pick and a third-round selection, solidifying their own quarterback of the future in Justin Jefferson and freeing up draft capital.

Lance’s selection at No. 3 made him the highest-drafted quarterback from a non-Power Five school since Hall of Famer Jim Plunkett in 1971. It also marked the first time a quarterback from North Dakota State had been selected in the first round. His arrival in San Francisco was met with cautious optimism. The 49ers’ decision to draft Lance ahead of other top quarterback prospects like Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields signaled their belief in his long-term potential over immediate readiness.

The trade that sent Lance to the 49ers involved the Vikings surrendering their first-round pick (12th overall), a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and a future first-round pick. The 49ers’ willingness to part with multiple draft assets underscored their high valuation of Lance’s talent. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $34.1 million fully guaranteed, including a $22.5 million signing bonus—the highest ever for a rookie quarterback at the time.

From the outset, the 49ers made it clear that Lance would be developed gradually. He entered the league as the presumptive heir to Garoppolo but was not expected to play in 2021 due to San Francisco’s strong depth at quarterback. This development plan allowed Lance to refine his decision-making, study the NFL game, and prepare for a potential future starting role.

Professional Career

Trey Lance’s NFL career began in San Francisco, where he was drafted as a franchise-altering talent with immense athleticism and quarterback traits. However, his professional debut was delayed by the 49ers’ depth chart and a series of injuries that reshaped his rookie season and beyond.

Lance spent his entire 2021 season as the 49ers’ third-string quarterback behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo and backup Trey Sermon. He did not see any regular-season action and was primarily focused on learning the offense and adapting to the NFL’s speed and complexity. His rookie year was spent in meetings, film sessions, and practice reps, with no game experience. While this developmental approach was typical for a rookie quarterback, Lance’s lack of playing time raised concerns about his progression.

His first NFL action came in the 2022 preseason, where he flashed potential in limited snaps. In a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Lance completed 11 of 18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise and accuracy. His mobility and arm strength were evident, and he generated excitement among fans and analysts about his future. However, his preseason performance was not enough to earn a Week 1 roster spot decision, as the 49ers ultimately retained Garoppolo and Sermon.

Lance’s first regular-season NFL snap came on November 20, 2022, in a Week 11 game against the Arizona Cardinals. He entered the game in the fourth quarter after Garoppolo was pulled with a foot injury. Lance completed 6 of 14 passes for 74 yards and one touchdown while adding 56 rushing yards in a 38-10 victory. Though his performance was unspectacular, it marked his long-awaited NFL debut and provided a glimpse of his potential.

Two weeks later, on December 4, Lance made his first NFL start in a Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Playing in a rainy, windy environment at Hard Rock Stadium, he completed 10 of 19 passes for 140 yards with one touchdown and an interception, while rushing for 90 yards and another score. Despite the loss, Lance exhibited toughness and playmaking ability, most notably with a 60-yard touchdown run that showcased his elite speed and elusiveness. His performance earned praise for his effort and athleticism, though inconsistency and decision-making issues were also apparent.

On December 15, 2022, tragedy struck when Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury during a Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was carted off the field with what was later diagnosed as a Grade 2 ankle sprain and a high ankle sprain. The injury occurred on a routine run, ending his promising rookie campaign after just five total pass attempts and two starts.

Over the course of the 2022 season, Lance appeared in three games (two starts), completing 16 of 33 passes for 214 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 146 yards and two scores. His 48.5% completion percentage and modest passing totals reflected his limited game experience and the rust of a player still adapting to NFL defenses.

The 49ers’ decision to draft Brock Purdy in the 2022 NFL Draft—despite having Lance under contract—signaled a shift in their long-term quarterback planning. When Lance was injured, Purdy stepped in and led the team to a late-season surge, culminating in an NFC Championship appearance. Purdy’s success raised questions about the 49ers’ commitment to Lance as their long-term starter.

On August 25, 2023, the 49ers traded Lance to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick. The move came after San Francisco drafted quarterback Will Grier and re-signed Garoppolo. The Raiders, seeking to develop an athletic, dual-threat quarterback under new head coach Antonio Pierce, saw Lance as a potential high-ceiling successor to Derek Carr. The trade reunited Lance with wide receiver Davante Adams, whom he had played with at NDSU.

In Las Vegas, Lance entered the 2023 season as a backup to Carr. He saw limited action in the first five games, completing three of five passes for 39 yards in an October 8, 2023, game against the New England Patriots. However, his role expanded after Carr was injured in Week 6, and Lance started his first game as a Raider on October 22, 2023, against the New England Patriots in London. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 191 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 52 yards in a 21-17 loss.

Though his performance was inconsistent, Lance showed flashes of brilliance, including a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers and an ability to create plays with his legs. However, his accuracy and decision-making remained areas of concern. He started two more games that season (Weeks 9 and 10), completing 49 of 79 passes (62.0%) for 589 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a passer rating of 93.8. His 75.5 NFL passer rating over the season remained well below league average.

On March 13, 2024, the Raiders agreed to trade Lance to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick. The Chargers, in need of quarterback depth and long-term stability after the retirement of Justin Herbert’s primary backup, acquired Lance as a developmental project with high upside. He was reunited with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who had previously coached Lance in San Francisco’s system during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The Chargers assigned Lance the No. 5 jersey, signaling their intent to integrate him into their future plans.

As of the time of this writing, Lance has appeared in 10 NFL games (five starts), completing 65 of 117 passes (55.6%) for 836 yards, six touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 79.4. He has rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns. His career has been marked by untapped potential, frequent roster moves, and the challenge of developing in a league where expectations for quarterback play are unforgiving.

Playing Style & Strengths

Trey Lance’s playing style is defined by his exceptional physical tools and versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. Standing 6’4” and weighing 226 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size of an NFL pocket passer but also the speed and agility of an elite runner. His 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine is faster than those of notable dual-threat QBs like Lamar Jackson (4.34) and Josh Allen (4.71), highlighting his rare blend of power and explosiveness.

Lance’s greatest strength is his ability to create plays both through the air and on the ground. As a runner, he is a threat on every snap, combining patience, vision, and breakaway speed. He is particularly dangerous on designed quarterback runs, zone-read concepts, and designed rollouts. His elusiveness in the open field allows him to turn short gains into long touchdowns, a trait that forces defenses to account for him