Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: OSU Athletics
Mestemaker on Davey O’Brien Award watch list
August 20, 2026 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker added another watch list selection to his honors Thursday as he was named to the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List.
The recognition lengthens a preseason list for Mestemaker that already includes preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and watch lists for the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Mestemaker, who transferred to Oklahoma State from North Texas following the 2025 season, is one of just six sophomores and 30 total FBS players on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback.
Mestemaker's 2025 season accolades include the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation's best walk-on, the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, FWAA Freshman All-America honors and being named a finalist for the Manning Award and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
He finished the season as the NCAA FBS statistical champion in passing yards (4,379), passing yards per game (312.8), total offense (4,468) and yards per pass attempt (9.46). He also ranked No. 2 in passing touchdowns (34), No. 3 in points responsible for (240), No. 4 in passing efficiency (168.7), No. 4 in total offense per game (319.1), No. 7 in yards per completion (13.73), No. 7 in points responsible for per game (17.1), No. 10 in completions per game (22.79) and No. 14 in completion percentage (68.9). He led the nation in completions of at least 10 yards (168), 20 yards (67), 50 yards (11), 60 yards (8) and 70 yards (5).
The Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026 will be announced November 10, and semifinalists selected from the class will be named November 17. The three finalists will be announced November 24 and the winner will be unveiled live on ESPN December 11 during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
The recognition lengthens a preseason list for Mestemaker that already includes preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and watch lists for the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Mestemaker, who transferred to Oklahoma State from North Texas following the 2025 season, is one of just six sophomores and 30 total FBS players on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback.
Mestemaker's 2025 season accolades include the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation's best walk-on, the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, FWAA Freshman All-America honors and being named a finalist for the Manning Award and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
He finished the season as the NCAA FBS statistical champion in passing yards (4,379), passing yards per game (312.8), total offense (4,468) and yards per pass attempt (9.46). He also ranked No. 2 in passing touchdowns (34), No. 3 in points responsible for (240), No. 4 in passing efficiency (168.7), No. 4 in total offense per game (319.1), No. 7 in yards per completion (13.73), No. 7 in points responsible for per game (17.1), No. 10 in completions per game (22.79) and No. 14 in completion percentage (68.9). He led the nation in completions of at least 10 yards (168), 20 yards (67), 50 yards (11), 60 yards (8) and 70 yards (5).
The Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026 will be announced November 10, and semifinalists selected from the class will be named November 17. The three finalists will be announced November 24 and the winner will be unveiled live on ESPN December 11 during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Cowboy FootballThursday, August 20
Monday, August 17
Monday, August 17
Monday, August 17
