Drew Mestemaker Included on Davey O’Brien Watch List

Drew Mestemaker is expected to be one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, so it’d make sense that he’d be on the preseason watchlist for the award that designates the nation’s best passer.

It’s been a full watchlist season for Mestemaker, as he’s been included on watchlists for the Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, but on Thursday he was one of 30 named to the watchlist for the Davey O’Brien, which is given to the best quarterback in college football.

Mestemaker is one of six Big 12 passers on the list, joining Bear Bachmeier (BYU), Alonza Barnett III (UCF), Devon Dampier (Utah), Noah Fifita (Arizona) and Conner Weigman (Houston).

Of the 30 total names, only six are designated as sophomores, with Mestemaker joining Micah Alejado (Hawaii), Bachmeier (BYU), Brad Jackson (Texas State), Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal) and Julian Sayin (Ohio State).

No OSU quarterback has ever won the Davey O’Brien. Some of the recent winners include Fernando Mendoza (2025), Cam Ward (2024) and Jayden Daniels (2023).

In his first season as a college (or even high school) starter, Mestemaker led the country in passing yards last season with 4,379. He also had the nation’s lead in passing yards per game (312.8), completions of at least 10 yards (168), 20 yards (67), 50 yards (11), 60 yards (8) and 70 yards (5).

Mestemaker threw for at least 200 yards in all 14 of UNT’s games, eclipsing 300 yards five times and throwing for a season-high 608 yards in the Mean Green’s win against Charlotte.

He earned the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation’s best walk-on, the American Offensive Player of the Year and was a freshman All-American.

Mestemaker transferred to Oklahoma State this offseason, following coach Eric Morris to Stillwater from UNT, and the QB has already been named the Big 12’s Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

The winner of the Davey O’Brien will be announced on ESPN on Dec. 11. The Davey O’Brien Class of 2026 will come on Nov. 10, semifinalists on Nov. 17 and three finalists on Nov. 24.

Full Davey O’Brien Preseason Watchlist

Micah Alejado, Hawaii
Bear Bachmeier, BYU
CJ Bailey, NC State
Alonza Barnett III, UCF
Rocco Becht, Penn State
Byrum Brown, Auburn
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Devon Dampier, Utah
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Marshall
Noah Fifita, Arizona
Josh Hoover, Indiana
Brad Jackson, Texas State
Kevin Jennings, SMU
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
Jayden Maiava, USC
Arch Manning, Texas
John Mateer, Oklahoma
Owen McCown, UTSA
Darian Mensah, Miami
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Nick Minicucci, Delaware
Dante Moore, Oregon
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Conner Weigman, Houston
Demond Williams Jr., Washington