The Transformation of a Program

The delightful fall in Denton has since turned into a painful winter. The North Texas football program, once a modest contender, is now facing a challenging period as it tries to rebuild after a significant exodus of key personnel. The departure of head coach Eric Morris and his star quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, marks a pivotal moment for the Mean Green.

A New Chapter for Coach and Player

Eric Morris, who led the Mean Green to a remarkable 12-win season in 2025, has taken his talents to Oklahoma State. His former quarterback, Mestemaker, followed him north of the Texas border on Saturday. Mestemaker, who was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the American Conference in 2025, announced his decision to join the Cowboys in Stillwater. This move comes after an extraordinary individual season that saw him lead college football with 4,379 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns, averaging an impressive 9.5 yards per pass attempt in the highest-scoring offense in the nation.

Building Relationships and Trust

Mestemaker expressed his confidence in the coaching staff at Oklahoma State, particularly highlighting the relationship he built with Coach Morris and other members of the team. He praised Morris’s ability as a play-caller, stating that his insight and approach to the game make him feel comfortable and prepared for any situation on the field. “I think Coach Morris is the best play-caller in the nation,” Mestemaker said. “The insight he has, and the way he sees offense, and the way he makes me at quarterback comfortable in everything we are running.”

A Program on the Rise

The 2025 Mean Green showcased NFL-level talent at the skill positions and on defense. However, the success of the 12-win campaign was largely attributed to Morris’s innovative ‘Air Raid’ schemes and Mestemaker’s precise passing. Their departure leaves North Texas in a difficult position, as they must now start from scratch in both the American Conference and the College Football Playoff race.

A New Challenge at Oklahoma State

Morris and Mestemaker have helped elevate a previously underappreciated program to unprecedented heights. UNT had only three winning seasons in the last 20 years before 2025. Now, they are tasked with helping a former powerhouse, Oklahoma State, regain its former glory. Although Oklahoma State experienced success in the 1980s and during much of the 2010s, recent years have seen a decline. In 2024, the team won only three games, started 1–2 in 2025, and then lost its last nine games after firing head coach Mike Gundy.

Rebuilding a Fringe Power

Some may view Oklahoma State as a lost cause in the NIL era, especially after the death of former mega-donor T. Boone Pickens in 2019. However, both Morris and Mestemaker have proven their ability to thrive in less-than-ideal situations. With a creative coach and a precise passer now on board, the 2026 season could mark a turning point for the Cowboys as they aim to return to Big 12 dominance.

Looking Ahead

As the sports world watches closely, the moves by Morris and Mestemaker will be critical in determining the future of both programs. While North Texas faces an uncertain path forward, Oklahoma State has a chance to rebuild and reclaim its place among the top teams in the conference. The coming season promises to be an exciting one for fans of both programs.