The college football scene witnessed significant quarterback changes, leading to unexpected successes and renewed hopes for teams like the North Texas Mean Green and North Central College. The spotlight shone brightly on freshman walk-on quarterback Drew Mestemaker during the recent First Responder Bowl, where he outperformed expectations and set records.
Mestemaker stepped up to the starting position for North Texas, filling the void left by Chandler Morris, who had transferred. Heading the Mean Green offense against the Texas State Bobcats, few people recognized the name Drew Mestemaker, but by game’s end, it was hard to forget. The young quarterback, who had not started since high school, showcased why he deserved the opportunity.
From the very first play, Mestemaker’s confidence was palpable. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 393 yards and, most impressively, two touchdowns. His 393 passing yards not only broke the school record for the most yards thrown by any quarterback during a bowl game but also marked the highest total for any true freshmen making their debut. According to his head coach Eric Morris, "I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of NFL guys... he has some traits... just as good or ...better than some of those guys playing on Sundays right now." Such praise from Morris, who has nurtured talents like Patrick Mahomes and Case Keenum, carries significant weight.
But Mestemaker’s talent didn't stop with his arm. With less than two minutes remaining, and trailing 30-21, he orchestrated a dazzling 70-yard scramble to find the end zone, bringing the team within reach of victory. With 448 total yards for the game, Mestemaker tied Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson for the most total yards by any FBS player during bowl season.
Despite the loss to Texas State, Mestemaker’s performance ensured he left his mark on college football. His strong debut positions him as the likely starting quarterback for North Texas moving forward, or potentially with another program if he chooses. After the game, Morris remarked, "I wouldn’t be surprised if, 15 years from now, Drew Mestemaker is still playing football." The future looks bright for both Mestemaker and Mean Green football fans.
Meanwhile, far from North Texas, North Central College reflects on its own quarterback legacy. The Cardinals, fresh off their third NCAA Division III championship, face their first significant quarterback change after years of stability. With Luke Lehnen finishing his remarkable four-year career, they are now turning their focus to crafting the next chapter of Cardinals football.
Lehnen leaves behind impressive stats, having thrown for 298 yards and four touchdowns to clinch the championship title and making history with the NCAA leader for combined rushing and passing touchdowns. His coach, Brad Spencer, acknowledged the power of continuity at the quarterback position, stating, "We’re on the search for the next guy to hopefully do the same thing because it makes life easier." With Lehnen at the helm, North Central went 68-2 over his tenure, illustrating the success born out of consistent leadership.
Entering the post-Lehnen era, North Central’s coaching staff must fill the significant void he leaves. Among the candidates is junior Calvin Lavery, the current backup, and new recruit Demir Ashiru, who is transferring from Ferris State. Spencer commented on the difficulty of attracting elite talent wanting to sit out for years, emphasizing the competition for quarterback roles remains fierce.
The Cardinals have consistently thrived over the years, attributed to quarterback stability and top-tier talent surrounding the position. Spencer noted the importance of constructing this offensive rhythm: "It allows you to build an offense, that's the beauty of it." Talent also extends through the skill positions, as players like Luke Skokna and Donovan McNeal hint at the program’s sustained level of excellence.
Both North Texas and North Central face pivotal moments heading forward. They are tasked with replacing monumental quarterback figures, each with their legacies and records. Whether it be Mestemaker’s exhilarating debut or Lehnen’s storied career, the transitions are part of the ever-evolving narrative of college football.
Both teams are united by the common thread of excellence and success, but as they look to the future, their quarterback questions remain. Which direction will they take? The college football world is poised to watch closely as these programs shape their next generations of stars.