As Arkansas football turns the page into a new era under head coach Ryan Silverfield, one truth is already clear: successful rebuilds begin at the most important position on the field: quarterback. And if the Razorbacks are serious about steering the program in the right direction, quickly and sustainably, then North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker should be near the very top of their transfer portal board.
According to according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Mestemaker is expected to enter the portal, and once he does, he will instantly become one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in all of college football. This isn’t speculation, it’s simple supply and demand at the sport’s most important position.
Mestemaker’s 2025 breakout season put him squarely on the national radar. As a redshirt freshman, he threw for 4,129 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, earning a near-elite 86.2 PFSN QB Impact grade. That production becomes even more remarkable when you consider that he never started a single game in high school. His rise is a testament to elite development and elite developmental environments tend to recognize each other.
That’s where Arkansas should enter the conversation.
A New Coach, A New Quarterback, A New Direction
Ryan Silverfield didn’t come to Fayetteville to maintain the status quo. He came to rebuild, to stabilize, and to elevate and he’ll want his own quarterback to operate that vision.
During his time at Memphis, Silverfield built a reputation as both a strong recruiter and a master developer, consistently fielding competitive teams while adapting to changing rosters and quarterback skill sets. He understands that the modern college game demands flexibility, not stubbornness.
Silverfield has spoken openly about “coaching arrogance”, the idea that refusing to tailor schemes to players is a mistake. Instead, his philosophy emphasizes molding the offense around the quarterback, not forcing the quarterback into a rigid system. That approach is especially important when targeting a talent like Mestemaker.
With offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey also arriving from Memphis, Arkansas has a staff that has proven it can blend concepts, adjust game plans, and build offenses that highlight what a quarterback does best. Mestemaker’s arm talent, mobility, and off-platform creativity would give Cramsey a deep playbook to work with, one that can grow alongside the quarterback himself.
Why Mestemaker Fits Arkansas Perfectly
At 6’4”, 211 pounds, Mestemaker already looks the part of a Power 4 Conference quarterback. He possesses a high-end arm, natural touch at all three levels, and the athleticism to extend plays without breaking structure. More importantly, he’s still developing physically, with room to add more weight over the next few seasons without sacrificing any mobility or mechanics.
That combination of current production, youth, and untapped upside, is exactly what a rebuilding Arkansas program should be hunting. Mestemaker doesn't need to be a one-year rental, with still three more years eligibility after this past season. He’s a quarterback you hand the keys to, build around, and don’t look back.
In an SEC where quarterback play often dictates ceilings, Arkansas can’t afford to tread water at the position. Mestemaker offers the chance to reset the timeline and create long-term stability while attracting other talent to play alongside him in Fayetteville.
NIL Resources: Time to Show It
Athletic director Hunter Yurachek and the Arkansas administration have made it clear: resources are no longer an issue. NIL money is available. The commitment to football success has been stated publicly and repeatedly.
Now is the moment to turn words into action.
Mestemaker will command serious interest and serious NIL offers from across the country. If Arkansas wants to signal that it’s ready to compete nationally again, not just in rhetoric, but in practice, this is the type of player you invest in.
Elite quarterbacks are the hardest assets to acquire in college football. When one becomes available at Mestemaker’s age and production level, you don’t hesitate.
Drew Mestemaker represents everything Arkansas should be looking for at this stage of its program reset:
- Proven production
- High ceiling
- Youth and durability
- Scheme versatility
- Leadership potential
With Ryan Silverfield and Tim Cramsey’s adaptable offensive philosophy, ample NIL resources, and a clear need for a program-defining quarterback, the fit makes sense on every level.
If Arkansas wants to guide this rebuild in the right direction, targeting Drew Mestemaker isn’t just an option, it’s an opportunity they can’t afford to pass up.