Drew Mestemaker has emerged as the leading passer in college football this season. The former North Texas quarterback is set to enter the transfer portal, sparking interest from several prominent programs. A major SEC school, Tennessee, is identified as a strong contender for his services.
Top College Quarterback Enters SEC Transfer Portal
Mestemaker finished the season with an impressive 4,129 passing yards, ranking first among all FBS quarterbacks. He also achieved a passer rating that placed him third nationally, only behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and finalist Julian Sayin. His stats include 31 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions, earning him the title of American Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Potential Destinations for Mestemaker
Kaiden Smith, an analyst from On3 Sports, has highlighted Tennessee as the ideal destination for Mestemaker. Smith remarked on the success Tennessee has had with transfer quarterbacks in recent years, such as Hendon Hooker and Joey Aguilar. He noted, “If you’re Tennessee, you have this excellent track record with this offense, with transfer quarterbacks.”
With Head Coach Eric Morris moving to Oklahoma State, North Texas may no longer be an option for Mestemaker. This shift opens avenues for him at more competitive programs.
Tennessee’s Quarterback Situation
Tennessee’s quarterback lineup is currently thin, as Aguilar is nearing the end of his NCAA eligibility. Redshirt freshman Jake Merlinger may also enter the transfer portal, leaving the team with limited experience. George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon are the only quarterbacks expected to remain in the depth chart, with MacIntyre having minimal playing time.
- George MacIntyre: 2 games played, 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards.
- Faizon Brandon: Five-star commitment, yet to play in an NCAA game.
Bringing in Mestemaker could represent a forward-thinking strategy for Tennessee. With three seasons of eligibility left, he could become a long-term asset for the Volunteers.
Understanding the Transfer Portal
The college football transfer portal opens officially on January 2, but players can enter early. The transfer process has become streamlined, with a new 15-day window for transfers imposed by the NCAA.
Players enter the portal through their school’s compliance office. Once notified of their intent, the office has 48 hours to comply, and schools cannot refuse these requests. The portal contains player names, contact information, scholarship status, and other relevant details.
It is important to note that if players enter the portal, their current schools are not obligated to honor their scholarships. Should they decide to exit the portal and return, they may not receive their scholarship back.
As the transfer portal opens, the competition for top talents like Mestemaker is poised to intensify.
