A New Chapter for Drew Mestemaker

North Texas star quarterback Drew Mestemaker has made a significant decision in his football career, choosing to follow coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. On Saturday, he confirmed his commitment to the Big 12 school through an interview with ESPN. This move marks a new chapter for Mestemaker, who is already making a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

Mestemaker currently holds the national passing-yardage leader title with 4,379 yards. This impressive feat places him second among freshmen in FBS history, just behind Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, who recorded 4,435 yards in 2021. His performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, as he threw 34 touchdowns and was intercepted only nine times. Under his leadership, the Mean Green achieved a school-best 12-2 record, showcasing his impact on the team.

Building Relationships and Trust

One of the key factors that influenced Mestemaker’s decision was the strong relationships he built with Coach Morris and the rest of the coaching staff at North Texas. He emphasized the importance of these connections, particularly with Morris and new offensive coordinator Sean Brophy, who previously served as his QBs coach at North Texas.

“I think just the relationships that I’ve built there with Coach Morris, Coach Brophy and that whole staff, offense and defense,” Mestemaker told ESPN. “I think Coach Morris is the best playcaller in the nation. The insight he has, and the way he sees offense, and the way he makes me at quarterback comfortable in everything we are running.”

Mestemaker also praised Morris’s ability to make him feel confident in every play he runs. “I feel like he sets me up for success in everything that he calls,” he added.

A Rising Star

Despite being a relative newcomer to the quarterback position, Mestemaker quickly rose to prominence this season. He rarely saw the field at quarterback in high school and played sparingly during the 2024 season at North Texas before making a significant impact this year.

His performances were consistently impressive, with 11 games where he passed for two or more touchdowns and five instances where he topped 300 yards. One of his most notable achievements came on October 24, when he set a school record with 608 passing yards in a 54-20 victory over Charlotte.

Mestemaker’s final game for North Texas was in the New Mexico Bowl on December 27, where he completed 27 of 47 passes for 250 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While it was a challenging game, it marked the end of an era for the Mean Green.

A New Challenge

Now, Mestemaker will take on a new challenge at the power-conference level with Oklahoma State. He will be joining a program led by the only college coach who was willing to bring him aboard after high school. This decision highlights the trust and confidence that Mestemaker has in Coach Morris.

“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,” Mestemaker said. “I think he’s the best at his job in the world, and I 100% believe in him, too. That trust that we’ve built is bigger than just on the football field.”

Other Key Players

Oklahoma State may soon add another standout player from North Texas. Caleb Hawkins, the national leader with 29 touchdowns, is also expected to join the Cowboys. As a freshman, Hawkins rushed for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 370 yards and four scores. His performance this season has been exceptional, and his recent visit to Oklahoma State suggests he may be following Mestemaker’s lead.

Hawkins posted on social media that he was taking a visit to Oklahoma State this weekend, indicating that a potential move could be on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

As Mestemaker and potentially Hawkins prepare for their new challenges at Oklahoma State, the football world will be watching closely. Their moves highlight the growing influence of Coach Morris and the opportunities he brings to players looking to elevate their careers. With the right support and guidance, both players have the potential to make a significant impact at the next level.