Why Drew Mestemaker Didn't Sign with Oregon Revealed amid OSU QB's Race for Heisman Award

Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker has produced a magical season that could end with him holding the Heisman Trophy and being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Although transferring to Oklahoma State proved to be the right decision, Mestemaker had an opportunity to join the Oregon Ducks instead of the Cowboys, according to The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr.

Mestemaker's mother, Angela, said that Oregon wanted him, but they didn't know if quarterback Dante Moore was going to declare for the NFL draft. That uncertainty played a role in his decision to join Oklahoma State.

Mestemaker spent his first two collegiate seasons at North Texas, but decided to transfer after his head coach, Eric Morris, left after the conference title game in December to take the Oklahoma State job. Although Mestemaker wanted to follow his coaching staff, he wanted to test the market since he was a walk-on who never had the opportunity to be recruited.

"I had never gotten recruited, and I felt like it'd be dumb not to test the market," Mestemaker said.

Mestemaker ultimately informed Morris of his decision by calling him and saying, "Go Pokes!"

The Cowboys quarterback has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 2,962 yards with 29 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions.