Have you ever heard of nominative determinism? The term’s been around since the 90s, and basically means people tend to gravitate towards jobs that fit their names. Now, with the surname Lance, there’s only so many ways you could live up to it. You could become a reenactment jouster at Medieval Times. Maybe you could become an astronaut and “pierce” the heavens. Trey Lance decided to forgo those two and became a quarterback.

With an arm like his, it might as well be a lance, he set the NCAA record for most passes without an interception in 2019. Now, with the Dallas Cowboys, there’s a chance he’ll play his first game in the NFL since 2022 soon. But what’s this we’re hearing about rising star Bryce Lance? Has he got anything to do with Trey?

Who is Bryce Lance?

Right out the gate. Yes, Bryce Lance is Trey’s little brother. And yes, he is following in his brother’s footsteps. Sort of. Yes, he first played at Marshall Senior High School, just like brother did. And yes, he then went to North Dakota State University, again, just like his brother did. But little bro’s a wide receiver, not a quarterback, still a Lance though. He even wears the #5 jersey at NDSU, same as his brother did. Just chips off the old block. Their dad, Carlton Lance, was cornerback for SMSU in the early 90s, and played in the Canadian Football League for a year.

Both the Lance brothers are biracial, born to Carlton Lance’s interracial marriage to his wife, Angie. They’re a happy family who’ve stuck it out through thick and thin, and their faith is a common bond. Beyond regular church activities, Bryce Lance is also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The FCA attempts to use the influence of athletes to spread the word of God and present positive role models. Bryce was specifically a huddle leader with them, planning and leading an FCA day camp.

Bryce isn’t purely a one-trick pony either, he’s got aspirations outside of football. He’s not just a jock, he’s got an above 4.0 GPA, and he takes pride in his academic success. He’s got his sights set on becoming a realtor, and with a dazzling smile like he has, he’d kill it. In pursuit of that goal, he spent a 4 month internship with Edina Realty in Marshall, MN, back a couple years back. But with his college football career taking off like it has, there might be more lucrative options on the table.

Bryce’s journey so far!

When Bryce Lance first came into NDSU he was a svelte 180lb, but he’s since bulked up. Now at 6’3″ and 204lb, he cuts a much more formidable figure. The young man has caught 45 receptions over 38 games, for 619 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s also rushed 31 yards and has a rushing touchdown to his name. Pretty good stats overall. He had a standout game just last month against Murray State University, where he caught 3 touchdown passes and had 108 passing yards.

Both brothers have definitely left their mark on NDSU. Except Bryce wants to do Trey one better. While at college, Trey won 2 championships with the NDSU bisons. There was the 2019 blockbuster year, but there was a win in his redshirt season too. Ditto for Bryce, his team won his redshirt season, but he’s got his sights set on doing his brother one better. They look set to have a championship ring this year, but if they can get their hands on another in 2025, Bryce’d be only too please to lord it over his brother.

Interesting stories like the Lance’s sibling rivalry help grow the NFL’s appeal. If you’d like to know more about the NFL’s global growth, be sure to check out our latest Think Tank Exclusive, featuring Erin and Emily Griffin.