October 10, 2025; Denton, Texas, United States; North Texas Imply Inexperienced quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) is in the pocket against the South Florida Bulls during the second half of a game at DATCU Stadium. Mandatory credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who currently leads all of FBS with 4,379 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns this season, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Monday.
Mestemaker’s decision comes after a remarkable redshirt freshman season for the unranked recruit out of Austin, Texas. He played sparingly as a true freshman before blossoming into the American Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. He guided North Texas (12-2) to a program-record 12 wins, surpassing the previous high-water mark by three games.
“After much thought and prayer, I have made the decision to enter my name in the transfer portal,” Mestemaker said in a statement.
Mestemaker had previously indicated he would make his transfer decision following North Texas’ New Mexico Bowl appearance against San Diego State, a game the Mean Green won 49-47 on Saturday.
His 4,379 passing yards rank as the second-highest total by a freshman in FBS history, trailing only Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, who threw for 4,435 yards in 2021. Mestemaker also set a new program record with 608 passing yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 54-20 victory over Charlotte on Oct. 24.
Mestemaker instantly becomes a highly sought-after quarterback in the transfer portal, joining other notable players such as Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby, Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, and Florida’s DJ Lagway.
The news represents another setback for North Texas under new coach Neal Brown. Running back Caleb Hawkins, who set a national record with 29 total touchdowns this season, and receiver Wyatt Younger, who was third in the nation with 1,264 receiving yards, both announced their plans to enter the transfer portal on Sunday.
It remains uncertain whether any of the three players will follow former North Texas coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State, or if they will explore other opportunities.
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