Oklahoma State pins its revival hopes on Drew Mestemaker after his unlikely QB rise

Stilwell, Oklahoma (AP) — After years of being told no, Drew Mestemaker seized his sole chance to demonstrate his ability to play quarterback in college. For years, he was denied playing time in high school and overlooked at quarterback camps, but he walked on at North Texas and threw 34 touchdown passes as a redshirt freshman under coach Eric Morris last season.

Mestemaker, a backup at Vandergrift High School in Texas, caught Morris's attention in the summer of 2024 and underwent a workout with him. Morris was impressed by Mestemaker's polished passing mechanics and his intelligence, noting that he was as skilled as any quarterback he had seen. Mestemaker led North Texas in passing with 4,379 yards last season, ranking among 22 transfers who followed Morris to Stillwater for the upcoming season.

The Mean Green dominated the 2024 season with 11 wins and an FBS-leading total offense averaging 512.4 yards per game and 42.6 points per game. With Mestemaker and Morris set to lead a new generation of talent, Oklahoma State hopes to regain its former glory and potentially secure a bowl game appearance.