Texas Tech's Joey McGuire calls Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker nation's best quarterback

STILLWATER, Okla. — Drew Mestemaker has spent the week emphasizing his commitment to Oklahoma State's current season rather than looking ahead to a potential NFL career.

But that hasn't stopped opposing coaches from discussing just how bright his professional future could be. Ahead of Saturday's showdown between No. 25 Oklahoma State and No. 12 Texas Tech, Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire delivered some of the strongest praise yet for the Cowboys' quarterback.

"I think we're facing the best quarterback in the nation," McGuire said during his Monday news conference.

And McGuire didn't stop there. The Texas Tech coach suggested Mestemaker could become the first player selected in the 2027 NFL Draft, pointing to his physical tools, intelligence and competitiveness.

"It would surprise me if he doesn't go No. 1 overall," McGuire said.

It's a remarkable endorsement from the coach preparing to face Mestemaker and Oklahoma State in one of the biggest Big 12 games of the weekend.

But the numbers help explain McGuire's confidence. Through nine games, Mestemaker ranks second nationally with 2,962 passing yards while leading the country with 29 touchdown passes. He also ranks eighth nationally in passing efficiency at 172.98 and leads the country with 204 points responsible for.

His latest performance further strengthened his growing national reputation. In Oklahoma State's 66-28 victory over Kansas State, Mestemaker completed 22 of 28 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown and caught another on a trick play, accounting for six total touchdowns in the Cowboys' dominant victory. The outing extended his Oklahoma State school record to eight consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards, surpassing Mason Rudolph's previous mark of seven.

McGuire specifically praised Mestemaker's arm strength, football intelligence and size while highlighting a play against Oregon in which the quarterback hurdled a defender on his way to the end zone. For McGuire, that willingness to put his body on the line demonstrates the competitiveness that makes Mestemaker such a dangerous opponent.

His comments also arrive at an interesting time for Oklahoma State. Earlier this week, Morris revealed that he and Mestemaker have agreed to postpone discussions about the quarterback's NFL future until after the season. Mestemaker echoed that approach, emphasizing the importance of remaining focused on the Cowboys' remaining games.

"This team is special and this season is special," Mestemaker said. "There's no point in thinking about it because there is nothing I can do about it right now."

While Mestemaker isn't ready to address his future publicly, the attention surrounding his draft prospects continues to grow. McGuire even referenced the New York Jets' collection of draft picks while discussing where he believes the Oklahoma State quarterback could be selected.

Still, the immediate concern for Texas Tech is finding a way to slow down one of college football's most productive passers. That challenge comes at a particularly difficult time for the Red Raiders.

Texas Tech allowed 48 points in last week's 53-48 victory over West Virginia and has struggled to consistently defend opposing passing attacks. According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, the Red Raiders have surrendered a combined 720 passing yards over their past two games without recording an interception.

Texas Tech's coaching staff has emphasized the need to pressure Mestemaker and prevent him from operating comfortably in the pocket. For Oklahoma State, Saturday represents another opportunity to strengthen its position in the Big 12 race and build on its return to the College Football Playoff rankings.

The Cowboys enter at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while Texas Tech stands at 8-1 and 5-1. The matchup also features a personal connection between the two head coaches, with Morris returning to face his alma mater. But much of the attention will be on Mestemaker, whose remarkable rise has made him one of the biggest stories in college football.

His NFL future remains undecided. However, McGuire has already made his opinion clear. He believes Oklahoma State has the best quarterback in the country, and potentially the first player selected in next year's NFL Draft.

No. 25 Oklahoma State hosts No. 12 Texas Tech on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.