From nothing to something, Drew Mestemaker’s story to collegiate greatness is something out of a Disney movie
Drew Mestemaker’s path to becoming the starting quarterback at Oklahoma State is a study in persistence and opportunity in college football.
Unlike many top recruits who arrive with hype and scholarships, Mestemaker started from the bottom, and now he’s here — shoutout Drake.
He attended Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, where he never started a single varsity game at quarterback.
As a junior, he backed up Brayden Buchanan, who went on to play baseball at Baylor.
In his senior year, he lost the starting spot to transfer Deuce Adams, who committed to Louisville and later Wisconsin.
Instead, Mestemaker played defensive back and handled punting duties.
His story could have ended there after high school, with no major college offers and a future that might have involved something far removed from football, like selling car insurance for State Farm.
Rated as a zero-star recruit, Mestemaker walked on at North Texas, joining the team as the fifth-string quarterback.
He worked his way up the depth chart, reaching second string before stepping into the starting role as a redshirt freshman in 2025.
That season, under head coach Eric Morris, North Texas went 12-2, falling just short of the College Football Playoff.
Mestemaker made an immediate impact, completing 24 of 32 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns in the opener against Lamar.
He later threw for over 600 yards in a game against Charlotte, showcasing his arm strength and decision-making.
When Eric Morris was hired as head coach at Oklahoma State after the Cowboys’ struggles, Mestemaker followed him through the transfer portal.
Their relationship is one of mutual trust, Morris gave Mestemaker his first starting opportunity at North Texas, recognizing potential in a player others overlooked.
In turn, Mestemaker credits Morris for his development, describing the move to OSU as a chance to build on that foundation.
This coach-quarterback duo is central to Oklahoma State’s rebuilding efforts, with Morris bringing several North Texas players along to bolster the roster.
The transfer came with significant financial upside. Mestemaker secured a $7.5 million NIL deal with Oklahoma State, including $3.5 million in his first season.
This package reflects his value as a proven starter in the NIL era, where performance can translate directly into earnings.
It’s a far cry from his walk-on days, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change in college athletics.
As Oklahoma State prepares for the 2026 season, Mestemaker is expected to be a key factor in turning around a program that has faced recent challenges.
He hasn’t yet faced a Power 4 defense, and his performances against tougher non-conference opponents like South Florida and Tulane were uneven.
However, in Morris’s offense, which emphasizes passing and tempo, Mestemaker could thrive.
Predictions suggest he might throw for 4,000-plus yards and 30 touchdowns, helping the Cowboys improve their Big 12 standing.
If the team gels quickly, drawing parallels to Indiana’s turnaround under Curt Cignetti, OSU could surprise contenders and push for a bowl game or more.
Mestemaker’s accuracy and ability to extend plays will be crucial, especially with a revamped supporting cast.
Mestemaker’s journey from overlooked high school backup to high-earning college starter remains as inspiring as ever.
It highlights how talent, combined with the right coaching and opportunities, can lead to success against the odds.
In a sport dominated by early recruits, his story shows that it’s possible to go from nothing to something substantial.
Are we witnessing the second episode of Mestemaker’s Cinderella story?