There are quite a few prominent programs like LSU, Texas Tech, and Indiana that will be looking for a new starting QB in the upcoming transfer portal. This week, an interesting option with Heisman potential entered the market.
While recruiting the stars of the future from the high school ranks is still a very important element of roster building in college football, NIL deals have completely changed the process and turned the transfer portal into the NCAA version of free agency.
However, it is more impactful than recruiting because you can find an experienced player who can make a massive impact immediately and turn a good team into a title contender. There is no better example of that fact than the No. 1 team in the nation, Indiana. They would have been good this season, but without Cal transfer and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, they are not a favorite to win a natty in January.
With the portal set to open on Jan. 2, LSU, Texas Tech, Penn State, Clemson, Miami, and Indiana will all be looking to find the next Mendoza to fill the starting QB voids they have heading into 2026. Well, a fascinating option they should all take a hard look at just became available.
No. 1 Passer in 2025, Drew Mestemaker, Just Hit Transfer Portal
On Tuesday, On3 dropped some huge news when they reported that North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker is entering the transfer portal. The freshman is probably unfamiliar to more casual college football fans, but the Texas native had a massive season for the Mean Green in 2025.
Not only did Mestemaker help lead North Texas to just their third 11-win season during this century, but he led the nation in passing yards this year with 4,129. Plus, he was tied for second in touchdowns with 31 and had just seven interceptions. Mestemaker had well over 1,000 more passing yards than Heisman contenders and winner Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza.
- Drew Mestemaker stats: 4,129 passing yards, 31 TDs, 7 INTS, 174.8 passer rating
His potential should make him a top target on the portal’s QB market, alongside Brendan Sorsby, Dylan Raiola, and DJ Lagway. He should definitely be on the radar of LSU, Indiana, Clemson, Texas Tech, and many other schools, with their starting QBs headed to the NFL in April.
