After leading the North Texas Mean Green to the American Conference Championship Game, Drew Mestemaker has become one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. Midway through December, that conversation intensified with reports that the talented passer is likely to enter the college football transfer portal when the window opens on Jan. 2.
Despite the swirling rumors surrounding him, Mestemaker will line up for the Mean Green in the New Mexico Bowl, with all talk of a decision being pushed aside as he focuses on a bowl game clash with the San Diego State Aztecs. While the college football world awaits official confirmation, here are some potential landing spots for a quarterback who has defied expectations.
LSU
With Garrett Nussmeier heading to the NFL, LSU could be looking for a new quarterback to jumpstart its rebuild under Lane Kiffin. Mestemaker’s combination of accuracy, athleticism, and experience in a high-powered offense would make him a top target in the portal. He and Kiffin could bring the Tigers back to the national spotlight sooner than anyone could’ve expected.
Miami
Miami has a recent history of successfully navigating the portal at the QB position, bringing in Cam Ward and Carson Beck. Mestemaker could continue that trend, and the program has the resources to offer a competitive NIL package to attract top talent. Mestemaker could feast on ACC competition and be in line for a CFP appearance next season with the Hurricanes.
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Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson has done a great job developing Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, and reinventing Beck, who struggled last season with the Georgia Bulldogs. This is music to Mestemaker’s ears, who has the potential and youth to be even better than both of those guys, possibly.
Indiana
Indiana has also leaned heavily on the transfer portal at quarterback in recent seasons. With Fernando Mendoza likely entering the NFL Draft, Mestemaker would be in a pro-style system, known for developing quarterbacks for professional success, under Curt Cignetti.
With Mendoza ending the year as the Heisman Trophy winner and the second-ranked quarterback per PFSN’s College QBi metric, why wouldn’t Mestemaker want to be a Hoosier?
Texas Tech
Remaining in Texas could appeal to Mestemaker, especially at a school where Morris has a proven track record.
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With the current QB depth impacted by injuries and eligibility, Texas Tech could offer both immediate playing time and a familiar coaching philosophy, along with top-tier NIL support.
Oklahoma State
Perhaps the most seamless fit, Oklahoma State would give Mestemaker the chance to follow Morris directly. The two have already developed strong chemistry, and he would arrive in Stillwater ready to step into a familiar system. This move could also help attract additional talent via the portal, accelerating Oklahoma State’s rebuild.
With his skill set and experience, Mestemaker has the potential to make an immediate impact wherever he lands. Programs across the country will be watching closely as he weighs his options, and the portal could provide the perfect stage for him to continue his rapid rise under Morris or in a new opportunity.
