The North Texas Mean Green are off to one of their finest starts in program history, and it’s no coincidence that redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker is firmly at the helm. As he racks up numbers, poise, and headlines, his story is rapidly evolving from underdog to breakout star.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker Leading North Texas to a Great Start
A Start Few Predicted
Through the first five games of the season, Mestemaker has thrown for 1,247 yards, connected on 11 touchdowns, and maintained a perfect 0 interceptions, all while completing about 68% of his passes. Add two rushing scores into the mix, and you’re talking about one of the most efficient, low-risk, high-reward quarterbacks in college football right now.
But even more remarkable than the box‑score production is how little of a spotlight he carried into this season. Mestemaker never started a varsity high school game. His only full-time role in high school came as a freshman on the “B Team.” He largely went unnoticed in recruiting circles, receiving no major scholarship offers.
So how does a guy who was so under the radar emerge this quickly?
Why He May Have Flown Under the Radar
The typical path for standout high school quarterbacks involves stacking stats, earning film, and collecting offers. But Mestemaker’s situation was different. He was buried on the depth chart at Vandegrift High School behind a Power 5 quarterback prospect and had almost no meaningful varsity tape. During his senior year, he still found ways to contribute, playing special teams, punting, and even lining up on defense, just to help his team however he could.
Without high school game reps, most recruiters didn’t take notice. But the North Texas coaching staff saw something special. They took a chance on a kid with no stars, no hype, and no real pedigree, believing he could be molded into something more.
The Right Timing, the Right Coach
That opportunity came at North Texas, under Eric Morris, a head coach known for his quarterback development acumen. Morris has worked with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Cam Ward, and now appears to have found his next project in Mestemaker.
Mestemaker walked on at UNT and started buried on the depth chart. But he kept working and eventually climbed his way to the top. He earned the starting job over a transfer quarterback this offseason and took full control of the offense going into the 2025 campaign.
His redshirt season was crucial. Though he saw limited action in fewer than four games, it gave him time to adjust to the college level, develop his skills, and learn the system without pressure. That year of growth — without burning eligibility — gave him a foundation he’s now building on week by week.
Why This Start Matters
This hot start isn’t just a feel-good story, it’s statistically and competitively significant. North Texas is 5–0, and Mestemaker is a big reason why. His clean decision-making, high completion percentage, and dual-threat capability have turned heads across the country.
But more than that, he’s shown maturity and control well beyond his experience level. There are no panic throws. No visible signs of a young quarterback overwhelmed by the moment. He plays within the offense, trusts his preparation, and protects the football — all traits that win games.
In today’s game, quarterbacks who can avoid turnovers, extend plays, and manage pressure are rare. Mestemaker is showing he belongs in that conversation, even if the national spotlight hasn’t caught up yet.
What Lies Ahead — and the Crossroads
Of course, questions loom. Can he sustain this level as defenses begin game-planning for him? Will North Texas’ schedule get tougher? How will he respond to adversity if and when it comes?
Another layer to watch is the trajectory of Coach Eric Morris. With his background and success, he’s already being linked to Power Four opportunities. If Morris does move on, Mestemaker would be wise to consider following him. For his own development, financial future, and continued growth, staying aligned with a coach who knows how to get the best out of him could be a career-defining decision.
For now, though, North Texas has something special. Mestemaker’s rise is no accident; it’s the result of persistence, belief, development, and the rare opportunity to prove people wrong. From never starting a high school varsity game to leading an undefeated team as a redshirt freshman, he’s already rewriting his story.
This may just be the beginning. Next-level talent mixed with a next-level journey. Don’t expect Drew Mestemaker to be flying under the radar much longer.
Main Image: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
