Oklahoma State QB Room Ranking By Sporting News Reaction Ft. Drew Mestemaker

Sporting News has released its preseason rankings of the Big 12 quarterback rooms for the 2026 season, and Oklahoma State checks in at a solid No. 4.

That’s a major jump from last place a year ago and a strong vote of confidence in the new era under offensive coordinator Eric Morris and quarterback Drew Mestemaker.

Bill Bender of Sporting News explained the ranking this way: "The Cowboys were last in these rankings last season. Oklahoma State begins a new era with coach Eric Morris, and Mestemaker should make that an easy transition. The redshirt sophomore followed his coach from North Texas – where he led the FBS with 4,379 passing yards last season. He also had 34 TDs and nine interceptions. Mestemaker – who is 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds – could generate some NFL interest with a huge junior season in the Big 12. Jordan is a two-time transfer quarterback who was an All-Ivy League honorable mention selection at Yale in 2024."

This feels like a very fair spot for where the Cowboys are right now.

The three teams ranked ahead of OSU are BYU, Arizona, and Utah, all programs with proven, experienced quarterbacks.

Utah is led by dual-threat QB Devon Dampier. Arizona is led by Noah Fifita, who has had a promising career. Meanwhile, Bear Bachmeier is coming off of a fantastic freshman campaign which included a Big 12 Championship game appearance.

But Oklahoma State’s room has legitimate upside to climb even higher.

Drew Mestemaker arrives as the clear starter after throwing for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions at North Texas last season.

At 6'4" and 211 pounds, he has the size and arm talent that already has people talking about potential NFL interest if he has a big year in the Big 12.

The jump from the American Athletic Conference to Power Four competition will be significant, but having his offensive coordinator with him should help smooth that transition.

Backing him up is senior Grant Jordan, who brings valuable experience with 11 career starts (two at UMass and nine at Yale).

Jordan earned All-Ivy League honorable mention honors in 2024 after throwing for 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

He’s not a bad backup option by any means, but there’s a clear gap between him and Mestemaker right now.

You feel good about Jordan if he has to come in for a game or two, but you don’t want the season riding on his shoulders.

Mestemaker has the highest upside of any quarterback in the Big 12.

If he makes a seamless jump to Power Four competition and continues putting up big numbers in Morris’ system, don’t be surprised if Oklahoma State is sitting atop these quarterback rankings by the end of the year.

That kind of leap would also do wonders for his own NFL Draft stock.

For now, fourth in the conference is a respectful starting point. It shows that people around the country are recognizing the talent upgrade at the position while still wanting to see it proven against Big 12 defenses.

With weapons like Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young around him, Mestemaker has the supporting cast to make big things happen.

Last season, the Cowboys' QB room was by far the worst in the conference.

This year it’s already No. 4 with one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league leading the charge.

If Drew Mestemaker delivers, this ranking could look very conservative by November.