Underdog QB Drew Mestemaker Thrives at North Texas

Denton, Texas – Two years ago, Eric Morris received an unusual call from a friend about a potential walk-on quarterback. North Texas had an open roster spot, and the friend insisted that this quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, would be special, despite having no game film.

Morris, intrigued by the recommendation, decided to see Mestemaker throw in person. “The guy just started laughing,” recalls Morris. “He doesn’t have any film. But just trust me, this kid’s going to be special.” Normally, a lack of tape would end the conversation, but Morris trusted his friend enough to proceed.

The quarterback position is vital in college football. Finding the right player can be the difference between a team’s success and a coaching staff’s job security. Morris has a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, having coached stars like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield during his career.

From the start, Morris established non-negotiables for evaluating quarterbacks. He prefers players with a quick release and strong fundamentals. He also values their ability to process information and adapt during games. “We want to see these kids throw in person,” he said. “We won’t ever take a kid if I haven’t seen him throw in person live.”

Mestemaker hadn’t started a game at Vandegrift High School, playing mostly safety and punter. However, his raw talent caught the coaching staff’s attention. After joining North Texas, he initially served as a project player, but it didn’t take long for him to impress.

By fall camp 2024, Mestemaker progressed quickly, completing the preseason as the primary backup quarterback. Following an injury to Chandler Morris, he received his first start since junior high. As a scholarship athlete, he set a school record for passing yards in a bowl game, throwing for an impressive 608 yards and rushing for a 70-yard touchdown.

This season, Mestemaker has been key to North Texas achieving a 7–1 record—their best since 1977. Last Friday, he threw for four touchdowns against Charlotte, marking his emergence as a top performer in college football.

Mestemaker’s success is part of a larger trend of overlooked quarterbacks stepping into significant roles. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who began his career at a military institute, and Pitt’s Mason Heintschel, also a freshman leading his team back from defeat, are examples of this phenomenon.

“I think it’s recruiting evaluation and development,” said Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi. “That’s what we do as coaches.”

As teams across the country search for their next standout quarterback, the stories of players like Mestemaker show that talent can often be found where least expected.