ESPN Ranks OSU Transfer QB Mestemaker Among Top 10 for 2026

Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season at North Texas and is expected to boost Oklahoma State's offense.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Oklahoma State's newest quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, is considered one of the best in the nation heading into the 2026 college football season. Mestemaker, a transfer from North Texas, was ranked the No. 7 quarterback in the country by ESPN writer Bill Connelly. Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season with 4,379 and had 34 passing touchdowns. He also brings dual-threat ability with 5 rushing touchdowns. Mestemaker will be reunited with his top receiver from North Texas, Wyatt Young, who also transferred to Oklahoma State.

Why it matters

Oklahoma State is hoping Mestemaker and the other transfers from North Texas can immediately boost their offense and compete for a Big 12 title. Mestemaker's high ranking by ESPN shows he is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country next season.

The details

Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season with 4,379 and was second in passing touchdowns with 34. He also added 5 rushing touchdowns for North Texas. ESPN writer Bill Connelly ranked Mestemaker as the No. 7 quarterback in the country heading into the 2026 season and the No. 2 quarterback in the Big 12 conference. Connelly believes Mestemaker and the other North Texas transfers will immediately create one of the better offenses in the Big 12.

  • Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season (2025).
  • Mestemaker was ranked the No. 7 quarterback in the country by ESPN for the 2026 season.

The players

Drew Mestemaker

The new starting quarterback for Oklahoma State, who transferred from North Texas. Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season with 4,379 and had 34 passing touchdowns.

Wyatt Young

Mestemaker's top receiver from North Texas who also transferred to Oklahoma State. Young was third in the nation in receiving yards with 1,264 and had 10 touchdowns last season.

Justin Bowick

A transfer receiver from Illinois who will join Oklahoma State's offense. Bowick had 5 touchdowns and averaged 12 yards per catch for the Fighting Illini last season.

Bill Connelly

An ESPN writer who ranked Mestemaker as the No. 7 quarterback in the country heading into the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm guessing they will immediately create one of the Big 12's better offenses, and there's a chance they'll do even more than that.”

— Bill Connelly, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

Mestemaker and the Oklahoma State offense will look to prove Connelly's projection correct when they take the field for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Oklahoma State's acquisition of North Texas transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker is expected to pay immediate dividends, as he is ranked among the top quarterbacks in the country heading into the 2026 season. Mestemaker's arrival, along with other key transfers, could help the Cowboys field one of the most potent offenses in the Big 12 next year.