The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Football

The 2026 transfer portal has already seen one of its most significant moves, as former North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker committed to Oklahoma State. This decision comes shortly after head coach Eric Morris also left North Texas for Oklahoma State. For Oklahoma State, this is a major win, while North Texas faces a considerable loss.

This move highlights how the gap between college football’s top programs and smaller schools continues to grow, largely due to the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and the transfer portal itself. These factors have reshaped the landscape of college athletics, making it increasingly difficult for smaller programs to retain talent and compete at the highest level.

A Success Story That Wasn’t Enough

North Texas did everything right in developing Mestemaker. He started as a fifth-string walk-on with no star power and eventually became a starting quarterback in just one year. His performance was nothing short of remarkable — he led the NCAA in passing yards during his first full season as a starter and helped North Texas reach the American Conference Championship Game. Although they fell short in that game, the team still won the New Mexico Bowl, finishing with a 12-win season — the best in program history.

Before the transfer portal era, Mestemaker’s presence would have made North Texas a strong contender in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for the 2026 season and potentially even a Group of Five team on the radar for the College Football Playoff. However, now the program must start over, not only without a head coach but also without its most critical player.

Oklahoma State Gains a Key Asset

Oklahoma State, on the other hand, gains a valuable asset in Mestemaker. The program has struggled in recent years, posting some of the worst results in the Power Four. Despite this, it remains a major program in a top conference, and with a new head coach who is open to modern football strategies, the potential for a turnaround is high.

Mestemaker’s arrival immediately elevates the outlook for Oklahoma State. He will play in a top-tier conference and at a big program, which could position him as a top NFL Draft pick in 2027. For Mestemaker, this is a huge opportunity both financially and in terms of his long-term career.

For Oklahoma State fans, who endured just four wins over the past two seasons, the addition of Mestemaker and Morris brings hope for a significant improvement. There is now an expectation that the team can double that win total this season, at a minimum.

The Real Losers Are the Small Schools

While this move is a win for Oklahoma State and Mestemaker, it is a loss for North Texas and its fans. The reality of college football today is that bigger programs with more resources and financial backing continue to dominate. Even when smaller schools do everything right, they often find themselves at a disadvantage.

The transfer portal and NIL system have created an environment where top talent is drawn to the biggest programs, regardless of how well smaller schools develop their players. This trend is likely to continue, further widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots in college football.

Conclusion

The move of Mestemaker to Oklahoma State is a clear example of how the transfer portal is reshaping college football. It underscores the importance of having a top quarterback and the impact such a player can have on a program’s success. For North Texas, it’s a setback, but for Oklahoma State, it’s a step toward rebuilding. As the sport continues to evolve, the balance of power is shifting, and only those who can adapt will thrive.