'I'll Be Surprised If He's in College Next Year': Scott Frost Praises Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker continues to turn heads with his impressive start to the season. Following Saturday's 42-28 victory over UCF, he earned perhaps his biggest endorsement yet from the opposing head coach.

UCF coach Scott Frost didn't hold back when discussing Mestemaker's potential after watching the Cowboys quarterback throw for 304 yards and two touchdowns.

"I'll be surprised if he is in college next year," Frost said. "Some of the plays and throws that he made, when you see that happen, you know what kind of guy they got."

The praise came after Mestemaker delivered his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing performance, helping No. 18 Oklahoma State improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.

But Saturday's performance wasn't just about his ability to move the football through the air. It was also his cleanest game of the season.

Mestemaker completed 19 of 28 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns without an interception against UCF, adding a rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion.

More importantly, he finished without committing a turnover for the first time this season.

That improvement was a point of emphasis throughout the week for Oklahoma State's quarterback room.

"He handles every day, the way he prepares, the way he practices, like a professional," Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris said. "He knows that going into it. That's something that was one of our goals in our quarterback room this week."

Mestemaker credited his improved decision-making and attention to detail for the turnover-free performance.

"Focused on my eyes pre-snap to post-snap, being on time and on target with all my reads," Mestemaker said. "Not making anything up out there."

The quarterback also acknowledged an early mistake when he took Oklahoma State's only sack of the afternoon.

"That only sack I took on the first or second drive, I was really panicking back there," Mestemaker said. "It was a weird look from the defense, so stuff like that just puts us in bad situations."

Although the Cowboys eventually converted the ensuing third-and-long situation, Mestemaker recognized the importance of avoiding unnecessary negative plays.

"Limiting those plays and limiting turnovers and just keeping the ball on schedule," he said.

While Mestemaker received praise for his arm talent, Oklahoma State's offensive line also played a significant role in his success.

The Cowboys allowed just one sack despite UCF bringing pressure and presenting different defensive looks throughout the afternoon.

Mestemaker credited the offensive line's preparation and its ability to adjust protections before the snap.

"Our O-line had a great game plan of picking it up," Mestemaker said.

He specifically highlighted the communication with the center and the ability to identify UCF's defensive intentions before the snap, allowing the Cowboys to adjust their pass protection accordingly.

That protection gave Mestemaker opportunities to work through his progressions and deliver several difficult throws.

Justin Bowick led Oklahoma State with six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown, while Miles Coleman added four catches for 69 yards.

Wyatt Young finished with five receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown, including a five-yard score in the fourth quarter that extended the Cowboys' lead to 42-21.

Frost's assessment adds another layer to Mestemaker's emergence as one of the key figures in Oklahoma State's turnaround under Morris.

After opening the season with a loss to Tulsa, the Cowboys have won four consecutive games, with Mestemaker continuing to produce at a high level.

His fourth straight 300-yard passing performance demonstrated his ability to consistently generate offense, while Saturday's turnover-free outing provided evidence of his continued development as a decision-maker.

Frost's comments also reflect the impression Mestemaker is making on opposing coaches, particularly with the variety of throws he has shown he can make.

Whether Mestemaker eventually pursues a professional opportunity remains to be seen, but the UCF coach made his assessment clear.

For now, Mestemaker's focus remains on helping Oklahoma State continue its winning streak.

The Cowboys will return to the road Saturday, October 17, when they face Houston in another Big 12 matchup.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX.