Former North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker has officially committed to Oklahoma State University, marking a significant step in his football career. Leading the nation in passing yards this season, Mestemaker’s decision comes after a standout year in which he guided North Texas to a remarkable 12-2 record, an appearance in the American Athletic Conference title game, and a bowl victory over San Diego State.
Mestemaker’s transition to Oklahoma State aligns him with former North Texas head coach Eric Morris, who recently accepted the head coach position at the university. He also highlighted the influence of Sean Brophy, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, as a key factor in his transfer. Mestemaker praised Morris for his ability to develop quarterbacks, citing notable players like Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward as products of his coaching.
“I think just the relationships that I’ve built there with Coach Morris, Coach Brophy, and that whole staff, offense and defense,” Mestemaker shared with ESPN. “I think Coach Morris is the best play-caller in the nation. The insight he has and the way he makes me comfortable in everything we are running sets me up for success.”
Mestemaker’s commitment is seen as vital for Morris as he looks to rejuvenate the Oklahoma State program, which has struggled in recent years. The Cowboys finished winless in the Big 12 Conference for the past two seasons and ended the last season with a disappointing 1-11 record. Currently, 59 scholarship players from Oklahoma State are in the transfer portal, indicating a significant roster overhaul is necessary.
Despite these challenges, Mestemaker remains optimistic about the future. He emphasized the importance of his bond with Morris and the coaching staff, noting, “To be the starting point of it all, and the one that’s locked in first, I hope getting that out there will help more name players realize how special this staff really is.”
Mestemaker’s rise has garnered attention from various programs, yet he chose to remain loyal to Morris. “If I didn’t 100% trust these guys with my career, I would take longer to see what’s out there and test the waters,” he explained. His backstory is unique; he did not start a varsity high school game at quarterback before Morris took a chance on him, helping to develop his skills.
Mestemaker considered offers from three to five other schools but ultimately decided to visit Oklahoma State, where he had never been before. “To have a coach really be the first person to take a chance on me and trust me, I feel like I owe him that back in some sort,” he reflected. “I think he’s the best at his job in the world, and I 100% believe in him, too.”
As he prepares for this new chapter, Mestemaker is aware of the hurdles ahead. He expressed confidence in Morris’s leadership and the coaching staff’s commitment to improvement. “I know Coach Morris knows there’s work to do, but he’s never shied from that,” he stated. “We knew last year there was work to do. People thought we’d be struggling to make a bowl game again.”
Mestemaker’s transfer to Oklahoma State represents not only a personal journey but also a pivotal moment for a program seeking to reclaim its competitive edge. With his proven track record and determination, he aims to contribute significantly to Oklahoma State’s resurgence in college football.
