Vikings Draft Scouting: Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestamaker has seamlessly transferred to the power-four level and is vying for the top quarterback spot in the 2027 NFL Draft. His high-powered arm, pocket presence, and anticipation make him a future NFL star. Barring a heel turn, he will be a premier option for the Minnesota Vikings in April.

Mestemaker has had a wild career to get to Stillwater, OK. He walked onto North Texas in 2024 despite never starting a varsity game at quarterback in high school. After redshirting, he was projected to back up veteran transfer Reese Poffengarber in 2025; however, Mestemaker won the job during offseason training camp. 

He instantly proved the coaching staff right and dominated last year. Mestemaker led the league in passing yards with 4,381 and nearly led North Texas to the College Football Playoffs, falling one game short. After this, he followed head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State and has thrived in the Big 12.

So far, Mestemaker has established himself among the nation’s top quarterbacks with 1,579 yards and 15 touchdowns. Additionally, he’s added 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Despite an early-season blunder against Tulsa, he’s led the 18th-ranked Cowboys to Big 12 title contention.

Mestemaker’s arm lets him hit every throw. He puts ample velocity on passes, letting him fit the ball in tight windows. Similarly, this helps him target outside the hashes on out-breaking routes. He has excellent touch and consistently layers passes over defenders. 

Beyond that, Mestemaker is calm in the pocket and progresses through reads quickly. Then, he’s decisive and uses his A-list anticipation to beat the pressure. 

If nothing’s available, Mestemaker uses his above-average mobility to escape the pocket and either find someone downfield or grab extra yards. He’s dangerous on third downs and makes defenses pay if they don’t respect his legs (Oregon 2026).

Mestemaker’s the hottest name in college football, but he’s still not a perfect prospect. He’s a questionable decision-maker and puts the ball in harm’s way too often. He’s improving, with only one interception in the past three weeks, but he needs to improve at reading coverages and taking what the defense gives him before he reaches the next level.

Regardless of that, the Vikings should be heavily interested in Mestemaker. Kyler Murray’s been serviceable, but clearly isn’t their long-term solution. He’s on a one-year contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. As a result, Kevin O’Connell must find his franchise guy, and that could happen in April.

It’s still early, but Drew Mestemaker will be a popular name among Vikings fans next offseason. He’s a talented player who could be the missing piece in their Super Bowl hopes.