Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has been named to the prestigious Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List. This recognition complements his other honors, including preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and nominations for the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Transferring from North Texas, Mestemaker stands out as one of only six sophomores among the 30 FBS players on this watch list. His impressive previous season statistics include being the NCAA FBS leader in passing yards and several key categories, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Drew Mestemaker's 2025 passing yards: 4,379 (NCAA FBS champion)
  • Total offense for 2025: 4,468 yards (also NCAA FBS champion)
  • Ranked No. 2 in passing touchdowns: 34
  • Ranked No. 4 in passing efficiency: 168.7
State of Play
  • Mestemaker's accolades as a walk-on player include the Burlsworth Trophy and American Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
  • The announcement for the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026 is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
What's Next

The selection process for the Davey O'Brien Award will progress with semifinalists named on November 17 and finalists revealed on November 24, culminating in the award announcement on December 11. Mestemaker is expected to maintain his strong performance as he contributes to Oklahoma State’s success this season.

Bottom Line

Drew Mestemaker's inclusion on the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List highlights his significant potential and impressive past performance, making him a key player to watch in college football this season. His trajectory suggests he could become one of the standout quarterbacks in the nation.