Football Bio –
Played college football for the North Dakota State Bison, winning the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards in 2019 en route to a victory in the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. Selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL draft, but limited play and injuries led to him being traded after two seasons to the Dallas Cowboys. NFL/Chargers summary: Lance enters 2026 competing with DJ Uiagalelei for the No.
HEIGHT
6' 4"
WEIGHT
226
EXPERIENCE
6 yrs
COLLEGE
North Dakota State
2026 Outlook
Lance won the backup quarterback job and enters Week 1 as Herbert's No. 2. His 2026 role is now clear: stay ready in McDaniel's system, continue refining his timing and accuracy, and provide experienced insurance behind the franchise quarterback.
Career Highlights
Played college football for the North Dakota State Bison, winning the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards in 2019 en route to a victory in the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. Selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL draft, but limited play and injuries led to him being traded after two seasons to the Dallas Cowboys. At North Dakota State he won the Walter Payton Award and Jerry Rice Award in 2019 while leading an FCS national championship run and famously going through the season without an interception. San Francisco selected him No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Personal Life
Lance was born in Marshall, Minnesota, and grew up in a football family led by his father, Carlton Lance, a former professional defensive back who played in the CFL and World League. Carlton helped train Trey from a young age, while his younger brother Bryce also developed into a high-level receiver. Lance has generally kept his personal life private, but he remains closely connected to his Minnesota roots and the family that helped shape his athletic career.