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In the race to be the first quarterback selected in the 2027 NFL Draft, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker has separated himself from the pack. The Cowboys signal-caller turned in another stellar outing on Saturday, dissecting Colorado's defense in a 57-24 victory. Mestemaker completed 21 of 36 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the arm talent and downfield accuracy that have scouts buzzing despite his relative inexperience.
Oklahoma State trailed 24-20 late in the first half before exploding for 37 unanswered points to put the game away. If Mestemaker and the Cowboys can sustain that momentum, a Big 12 Championship is within reach. But he wasn't the only quarterback to boost his draft stock over the weekend.
Key Analysis
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers continued his remarkable turnaround, leading the Gamecocks to a 27-24 upset of Tennessee. Sellers accounted for three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing) and kept the offense on schedule with his legs, rushing for 96 yards on 18 carries. His ability to process progressions and escape muddy pockets has impressed evaluators, even if occasional mistakes persist. Sellers jumped from No. 7 to No. 4 in the rankings.
Meanwhile, Oregon's Dante Moore is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a concussion against USC, throwing a wrench into his evaluation. Moore's 2025 tape was already inconsistent, and the injury adds another layer of uncertainty. The Ducks' nightmare season continued as they fell out of College Football Playoff contention.
Other notable movements include Miami's Darian Mensah holding steady at No. 3 after a 387-yard, four-touchdown effort against Pitt, and Texas's Arch Manning slipping to No. 6 after a tale of two halves against Ole Miss. Manning was sharp early but struggled in the second half, turning the ball over and failing to sustain drives.
Missouri's Austin Simmons remains at No. 7 with a daunting stretch of defenses ahead, while Minnesota's Drake Lindsey climbed to No. 9 after showing unexpected escapability in a win over Iowa. The biggest surprise is Brendan Sorsby, who enters the rankings at No. 10 despite not playing this season due to a gambling scandal. His athleticism and arm strength make him an intriguing, albeit risky, prospect.
As the college football season winds down, these quarterbacks will have ample opportunity to solidify or alter their draft trajectories. For now, Mestemaker sits atop the throne, with Sellers charging hard.
Originally reported by yahoo.