North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker channeled the competitive spirit of another well-known athlete during his First Responder Bowl start against Texas State on Friday. After years of waiting for his chance, Mestemaker took the field and delivered a performance filled with both highlights and learning experiences, fittingly embodying the notion of "puke and rally"—a phrase popularized by Cam Skattebo’s memorable Peach Bowl outing.
Mestemaker's debut was nothing short of dramatic. Making his first start since his freshman year of high school, he passed for 393 yards, setting a school record for bowl games, and threw two touchdown passes. The highlight came during the fourth quarter when he executed a spectacular 70-yard run.
Despite his impressive statistics, his debut wasn’t without its challenges. Drawing parallels to Skattebo's vivid Peach Bowl experience—which involved battling nausea—Mestemaker was caught on camera vomiting during the game. He later reflected on how the act altered his performance. “I threw up and I felt like a completely different person,” Skattebo elaborated during his post-game interview.
Coach Eric Morris had been carefully observing Mestemaker's progress since he joined the North Texas program. “Drew is such a great story,” Morris said before the game. This endorsement came as Mestemaker was thrust from relative obscurity—having thrown just five passes this season—into the quarterback spot due to Chandler Morris transferring to Virginia.
Coming from Vandegrift High School, where he had worked hard to earn his chance, Mestemaker faced other tough competitors throughout his past. He backed up high-profile quarterbacks, including Chandler Morris, who previously started for TCU. Ensuring he stayed ready, he made the transition to safety during his high school tenure, even earning accolades for his selfless play as well as for his time as the team’s punter.
His former coach, Drew Sanders, expressed pride over his former player's resilience and dedication. “Drew is one of the hardest workers who’s ever come through Vandegrift,” Sanders remarked, illustrating the long path Mestemaker carved out to finally become the starting quarterback.
Although North Texas fell to Texas State with a final score of 30-28, the game showcased Mestemaker's potential. He implemented what he had learned, racking up impressive yardage through both the air and on the ground. Still, with time running out and the Mean Green needing to mount a final drive, moments of youth and inexperience surfaced. Positioned for success, he took a costly sack and then threw an interception, sealing the victory for Texas State.
Unable to secure the game-winning touchdown defined the difficulty Mestemaker faced, which was against the backdrop of significant roster changes for North Texas. The team lost key offensive players, including their starting quarterback and top receivers, leaving Mestemaker with fewer options around him on the field.
Despite the loss, there was palpable optimism surrounding his performance. Teammate Damon Ward Jr. noted, “For a freshman, Drew is pretty good... He’s gotten me on a couple of deep balls the last few practices.” Such sentiments echoed the growing confidence within the team as they rallied around their new leader.
Looking forward, Mestemaker remains optimistic. He has four years of eligibility left and has worked hard to demonstrate his abilities, competing alongside recruits like highly regarded Miami transfer quarterback Reese Poffenbarger. Coach Morris and others believe sharing the knowledge he has gathered will continue to shape his future.
Mestemaker's blending of natural talent and learned resilience marks him as the kind of player who can rise to the occasion. With the community and coaching staff's support, there’s no doubt they perceive bright days ahead for number one.