Breaking down ESPN's rankings of the Top 100 newcomers in college football.
Will Mestemaker be as good as everyone says?
ESPN is high on Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker entering the 2026 season.
The North Texas transfer was ranked No. 8 on ESPN's list of the Top 100 newcomers in college football and checked in as the fifth-highest-ranked quarterback on the list.
The rankings highlight transfers and incoming freshmen expected to make an immediate impact for their new teams as programs prepare for the upcoming season, now less than 100 days away.
According to ESPN's Billy Tucker, Mestemaker fills an immediate need for the Cowboys by bringing both stability and proven production to the quarterback position. Despite being just a sophomore, he already has extensive experience in Eric Morris' offensive system after playing under the new Oklahoma State head coach at North Texas.
That familiarity could prove valuable as Oklahoma State transitions into a new era.
Tucker pointed to Mestemaker's ability as a high-volume passer and his fit in Morris' up-tempo offense. He also highlighted the built-in chemistry between Mestemaker and fellow North Texas transfer Caleb Hawkins, giving the Cowboys an established quarterback-running back connection entering fall camp.
Mestemaker's freshman season in Denton provided plenty of reasons for optimism. He threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns while adding five rushing scores and just nine interceptions. Tucker praised his arm strength, decision-making, and ability to process run-pass options quickly. His mobility and poise were also highlighted, with Tucker describing him as a player capable of serving as a coach on the field.
While the jump from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 presents a new challenge, the skill set appears to translate well.
Perhaps most importantly, Mestemaker isn't learning a new offense from scratch. He's following Morris to Stillwater, bringing experience and familiarity that many transfer quarterbacks lack.
I tend to agree with Tucker's assessment. Mestemaker isn't walking into a completely new situation—just a new uniform and a new campus. The terminology, scheme, and coaching philosophy remain largely the same, which should ease the transition into Power Four football.
Mestemaker wasn't the only Cowboy to receive recognition from ESPN.
Running back Caleb Hawkins also landed on the list at No. 60 after a breakout freshman campaign at North Texas. Hawkins rushed for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns last season while adding nearly 400 receiving yards. Tucker praised his physical, downhill running style and ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver.
For Oklahoma State fans, seeing both Mestemaker and Hawkins earn spots on ESPN's Top 100 newcomers list should provide additional excitement heading into the season. If the duo can replicate their North Texas production in Stillwater, the Cowboys could have two of the Big 12's most impactful offensive transfers leading the way.
