OSU Football's Drew Mestemaker Named Top NFL Draft QB To Watch By ESPN

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid has put Oklahoma State’s new quarterback Drew Mestemaker firmly on the 2027 NFL Draft radar, naming him among the top quarterback prospects to watch in what many are calling one of the deepest classes in years.

This is high praise, and it’s absolutely deserved.

After lighting up the FBS as a former walk-on at North Texas, Mestemaker followed offensive coordinator Eric Morris to Stillwater, and the hype is real.

Mestemaker looks the part physically as an NFL quarterback. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he has the size, build, and presence scouts love.

A lot of draft experts are already projecting him as a potential top-10 pick, which is a massive compliment considering the talent expected in this 2027 class.

Here’s what Jordan Reid had to say about where Mestemaker excels: “As a former walk-on, Mestemaker was relatively unknown prior to last season. His fiery, three-quarters release helped him excel in Eric Morris' spread-and-shred offense at North Texas, where he finished with an FBS-high 4,379 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions.”

Reid continued, “He has a live arm and the confidence to test the tightest windows from various platforms. His style is unconventional, as he holds the ball at his waistline, but Mestemaker is capable of a couple of 'wow' throws every game. He has operated diverse passing concepts, including quick-hitters and high-low reads.”

Those numbers from 2025 were insane, leading the nation in passing yards while putting up elite efficiency.

Now he’s stepping into the Big 12 with the same offensive system and familiar weapons.

Don’t be surprised if he is one-and-done at OSU. While that might come as a disappointment to Cowboys fans who want to see him stick around, it’s okay.

If he plays well enough to be a first-round talent, that means Oklahoma State has had a really good year under Eric Morris. That success will make the program even more attractive when it’s time to search for his replacement as they continue building.

Of course, there’s still work to do.

Reid broke down the areas for improvement: “Mestemaker's confidence can hurt him, especially when throwing over the middle. Too often he's unaware of underneath defenders. He also tends to lock onto his initial read and force passes instead of working through his progressions.”

Reid added, “Morris' offense is diverse, and Mestemaker could struggle to find the exact type of scheme that fits him. He also lacks experience (14 starts), but the jump up in competition — along with a Week 2 game against Oregon — gives him a chance to emerge as a Round 1 option.”

If Mestemaker can show a seamless transition from the AAC to the Big 12, that will catch the attention of NFL GMs in a big way as he looks to make the jump to the next level.

Expectations should be sky high for him this season.

His stats last year were incredible, he won a lot of games, he knows this offense backward and forward, and he’s pairing up with guys he already knows and trusts from North Texas like Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young.

That chemistry should show up immediately.

Mestemaker’s story, going from zero-star walk-on to national passing leader to Power Four starter with early first-round buzz, is special.

This is a quarterback who can make big-time throws, push the ball down the field, and operate Morris’ tempo attack at a high level.

The stage is set for a huge year in Stillwater.

If Mestemaker keeps improving his decision-making and processes while flashing that live arm and confidence, he could climb even higher on draft boards.