Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has already led one upset over a ranked team at home this season. He's looking to do it again against Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 14, although this time he could potentially claim even more than just a win.

Mestemaker, who ranks second nationally with 2,962 passing yards and first nationally with 29 passing touchdowns this season, is near the top of not only NFL draft boards, but also the Heisman Trophy race. There will be lots of eyes on Mestemaker and Oklahoma State in Week 11, especially with it being a night game against a top opponent with Big 12 implications on the line.

Expert picks for every Top 25 game: College football Week 11 predictions

Mestemaker has done it all for the Cowboys and first-year coach Eric Morris this season, leading the program to one of the best turnarounds in college football after winning only one game in 2025. It's a big reason he's expected to be the first quarterback off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft, even if he hasn't declared yet.

The former walk-on from North Texas who never started a game at quarterback in high school isn't thinking about his draft status or what's to come, though, despite a potential win over Texas Tech placing him in the elite tier of Heisman candidates this season.

"No," Mestemaker said when asked if he's thought of the NFL Draft yet. "I think this team is special and this season is special, honestly, and there’s no point in thinking about that after because there’s nothing I can do about it right now."

The 6-3 quarterback led the country in passing yards (4,379) as a first-year starter last season at North Texas, nearly leading the Mean Green to the College Football Playoff after scoring 39 total touchdowns. Mestemaker and his two top weapons — running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young — then followed Morris to Oklahoma State, where the trio has emerged as three of the best offensive players in the Big 12 this season.

Mestemaker garnered some hype as a future top-tier prospect after his first season as a starting quarterback since middle school at North Texas last season, but questions still remained. His play against Power Four opponents — including his 426 total yards with three touchdowns in a 39-31 win over Oregon earlier this season — eased those questions, with 17 of 25 anonymous scouts in a recent poll by ESPN favoring Mestemaker as the top quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.

Mestemaker isn't talking about the NFL Draft anytime soon, a stance that Morris said his other NFL quarterbacks he has coached like Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward also took in college.

"We already had the discussion we’re not going to talk about this stuff until the end of the season," Morris said. "I think that’s right for everybody in this program. He owes that to our team. I owe that to this team. So, we’ll continue going and chopping this wood every single day and at the end of the year just sit down and have a discussion with him and his mom and figure out what’s best for the kid and his future.

"This isn’t the first time I’ve had that conversation and nor will it be the last time I have that conversation."

Texas Tech is coming off back-to-back one-score wins over Arizona and West Virginia, with its offense taking a step forward after changing to Tommy Castellanos at quarterback. Mestemaker and Oklahoma State's offense has had to dig its poor defense out of numerous holes this season, setting up for a potential back-and-forth game on Saturday night.

There's a lot on the line for Mestemaker against the Red Raiders, with Oklahoma State staying in the Big 12 championship game race.

Have a big performance and a Heisman could be within his grasp, too.

"I just love playing football and this week is a dream football game (vs. Texas Tech) you dream about playing and so my close circle and my friends and family we don’t talk about that," Mestemaker said. "There might be a decision after the season to make, but that’s an after the season decision to make."

Drew Mestemaker NFL mock draft projection

Here's a look at where Mestemaker's latest projections for the 2027 NFL Draft:

  • USA TODAY: No. 4 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles
  • The Athletic: No. 3 overall to the Miami Dolphins
  • ESPN: No. 2 overall to Miami Dolphins

Drew Mestemaker stats

  • 2024 (North Texas): 30-of-46 passing (65.2%) for 462 yards with two touchdowns to two interceptions; 14 carries for 87 yards with a touchdown
  • 2025 (North Texas): 319-of-463 passing (68.9%) for 4,379 yards with 34 touchdowns to nine interceptions; 57 carries for 89 yards with five touchdowns
  • 2026 (Oklahoma State): 206-of-309 passing (66.7%) for 2,962 yards with 29 touchdowns to eight interceptions; 36 carries for 177 yards with three touchdowns

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drew Mestemaker is one win away from crashing the Heisman race

Source: Yahoo Sports