North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker Shines Amid Transfer Threats

DENTON, Texas — Drew Mestemaker, a 21-year-old redshirt freshman quarterback for the North Texas Mean Green, has emerged as a rising star in college football, throwing for 1,860 yards and 21 total touchdowns in just seven games this season. With only five turnovers, he has led North Texas to a 6-1 record, their best start since 2018.

Offensive coordinator Raj Murti expressed both pride and concern for Mestemaker, who joined the team as a walk-on and has transformed into a key player. ‘It’s exciting to see how well he has played, but it comes with fears that bigger programs might try to poach him,’ Murti said.

While North Texas strives for its first conference championship since 2004, issues of player retention loom large, especially given the team’s budget constraints compared to Power 4 programs. The Mean Green’s athletic department is working tirelessly to secure Mestemaker’s commitment, knowing that the allure of a lucrative transfer deal is ever-present.

Head coach Eric Morris has faced challenges retaining talented players; 15 transfers to Power 4 programs under his regime illustrate this dilemma. ‘We’ve lost a lot of great talent,’ Morris said. ‘It does lead to sleepless nights.’ Mestemaker’s notable performance in the First Responder Bowl, where he accounted for 448 offensive yards, has certainly caught the attention of scouts.

With ongoing efforts to increase compensation through various donor-driven initiatives, Murti and associate athletic director Steve Keasler aim to make offers that could compete with those from wealthier programs. ‘Our plan is to show Drew what we can provide him, beyond just financial aspects,’ Keasler said.

The financial reality for North Texas is stark. The program operates on a tight budget, estimated to be less than $2 million, while Power 4 teams often exceed $15 million. ‘We can’t afford to be the highest bidder, but we need to be smart with our funding and find creative ways to retain talent,’ said Keasler.

With the football season intensifying, the stakes are high for keeping Mestemaker in Denton. Should he choose to leave, it could set off a domino effect, impacting other players’ decisions. ‘If Drew stays, there’s a better chance our other key players might consider sticking around too,’ Murti noted.

No matter what happens, North Texas continues to rally behind its quarterback. As the season progresses, both players and staff members remain hopeful that Mestemaker will stay to help lead the team to the heights they have long sought.