[1] Padron took over the starting quarterback job at SMU in the eighth game of his freshman season in 2009, replacing Bo Levi Mitchell, who also transferred to Eastern Washington in 2010.
Padron led the Mustangs to wins in five of their last six games to earn a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team.
He earned MVP honors at the 2009 Hawaii Bowl after passing for a school-record 460 yards and two touchdowns in SMU's 45–10 win over Nevada.
[1] In 2011, Padron was named to the Hawaii Bowl's Ten Year Anniversary Team for his outstanding performance in the game.
[5] In late August 2012, Padron was officially named the starter for Eastern Washington for the 2012 season opening game.
[6] Padron split time in 2012 with redshirt freshman quarterback Vernon Adams, starting five games and playing in six others, during the 2012 season.
Padron threw for 2,491 yards and 17 touchdowns against 7 interceptions, helping to lead the Eagles to a semifinal appearance in the FCS Playoffs.