Here’s a bombshell for college football fans: North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker is reportedly leaning toward entering the transfer portal when it opens in January, but don’t assume he’ll automatically follow his former coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State. And this is the part most people miss—while it seems logical for Mestemaker to reunite with Morris, especially after becoming one of his standout quarterback success stories, the rising star is expected to draw significant interest from quarterback-needy teams across the nation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is staying loyal to Morris the best move for Mestemaker’s future, or should he explore other opportunities that could elevate his career even further? Let’s dive in.
Mestemaker’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as an unheralded walk-on at North Texas in 2024, he didn’t even begin his high school career as a quarterback—instead, he played defensive back at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. His big break came in the 2024 First Responder Bowl after former North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris transferred to Virginia. In that game, Mestemaker stunned everyone with 448 total yards and three touchdowns in a narrow loss to Texas State, instantly cementing himself as the program’s quarterback of the future.
The 2025 season only solidified his stardom. In the season opener against Lamar, Mestemaker threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns while completing an impressive 75% of his passes—and he even added a rushing touchdown for good measure. This was just the first of three games where he achieved at least three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Under his leadership, the Mean Green soared to an 11-1 regular season record and their first-ever appearance in the American Conference Championship Game, where he accounted for 294 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Statistically, Mestemaker’s season was historic. His 4,129 passing yards led the FBS, making him the only quarterback in the nation to surpass 4,000 yards. His 31 passing touchdowns tied him for second-most in the country alongside Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin of Ohio State and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds, Mestemaker also boasts three years of remaining eligibility, making him an incredibly appealing prospect for teams seeking a multi-year starter with room to grow.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Will Mestemaker follow in the footsteps of Eric Morris’s previous protégés, like Cam Ward, who went from Incarnate Word to Washington State and eventually became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? Or will he chart his own path? Morris has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, from Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech to Chandler Morris, who led Virginia to a 10-win season in 2025. Yet, Mestemaker’s decision could hinge on factors beyond loyalty, such as playing style, team fit, and long-term potential.
As the transfer portal spins into overdrive, Mestemaker’s choice will be one of the most watched storylines of the offseason. Will he stay connected to Morris’s coaching tree, or will he become the next big name to shake up the college football landscape? What do you think—is following Morris the smartest move, or should Mestemaker explore new horizons? Sound off in the comments and let the debate begin!
