Drew Mestemaker Doesn’t Need Magical Season to Ink Name in Oklahoma State Record Books

STILLWATER — Expectations are high for quarterback Drew Mestemaker, but the second-year starter could turn in a rather “average” season and still stamp his place in the Oklahoma State record books.

It’s no secret that Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards, throwing for 4,379 last season.

Since 2022, 12 quarterbacks have returned and played at least 10 games the year after finishing inside the top 10 in passing yards. ​

Their passing yards the following season decreased between 10-30%, with two players actually throwing for roughly 5% more yards thanks to two additional games. On average, top 10 quarterback passing yardage changed by 15%.

For the most part, those decreased totals were due to playing fewer games in the follow-up seasons, either because the programs didn’t earn the same level of postseason opportunities or perhaps because quarterbacks chose to protect their futures, something Mestemaker could certainly face after playing in two postseason games last year.

If you account for the discrepancy in games played, then the average top 10 quarterback yardage changed by only 9%.

The only quarterback on the list to make the jump to the power conference level was former Eric Morris’ quarterback, Chandler Morris (no relation). His production dropped off quite a bit, but he also no longer had Eric Morris calling the offense. While the jump up in competition likely played a role in that drop off, and could be a problem for Mestemaker, it’s impossible to quantify the impact that comes with changing coaches, play callers and offensive weapons none of which should impact Mestemaker this fall.

Should the Oklahoma State quarterback’s totals dip by 15%, then Mestemaker would finish the 2026 season with 3,722 passing yards, which would still rank seventh all-time, less than 50 yards behind Mason Rudolph’s total in 2015.