Drew Mestemaker, Baylor Hayes Set for Intriguing QB Matchup in Oklahoma State-Tulsa Opener

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Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has received most of the attention entering Saturday's season opener at Tulsa, but the quarterback standing on the opposite sideline already has some history with the Cowboys.

Tulsa quarterback Baylor Hayes helped hand Oklahoma State a 19-12 loss in Stillwater last season. Now, Hayes gets another shot at the Cowboys as Mestemaker makes his highly anticipated Oklahoma State debut.

Statistically, the two quarterbacks enter 2026 coming off significantly different seasons.

Mestemaker exploded onto the scene at North Texas, completing 319 of 463 passes for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He completed 68.9% of his passes and also added five rushing touchdowns.

Hayes completed 186 of 316 passes for 2,158 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 58.9% of his attempts.

But Hayes already knows what it takes to beat Oklahoma State. After beginning his college career at East Tennessee State, Hayes followed head coach Tre Lamb to Tulsa. He eventually earned the starting job as a redshirt freshman and made one of his first starts inside Boone Pickens Stadium.

Hayes completed 23 of 36 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown as Tulsa upset Oklahoma State. It was the Golden Hurricane's first win in Stillwater since 1951 and snapped the Cowboys' 10-game winning streak in the series.

Hayes continued developing throughout the season despite Tulsa finishing 4-8. He set Golden Hurricane freshman records for passing yards, touchdown passes, total offense and 200-yard passing performances.

Tulsa is expecting another step forward in Year 2. Lamb said Hayes was more of an athlete "running around making plays" during portions of last season, but believes his quarterback has progressed as he has gained a better understanding of the offense. Tulsa has put more responsibility on Hayes entering his redshirt sophomore season, and his teammates selected him as one of the Golden Hurricane's five captains.

Mestemaker arrives with significantly greater expectations. After leading the nation in passing at North Texas, Mestemaker followed Eric Morris to Stillwater and immediately became the centerpiece of Oklahoma State's rebuild. He enters Saturday having thrown for at least 200 yards in 15 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the FBS.

The Cowboys are betting that his familiarity with Morris' offense will allow that production to translate to the Big 12. Saturday will provide the first evidence.

Mestemaker will be making his Oklahoma State and Power Four debut while leading a roster featuring 91 newcomers. Hayes, meanwhile, gets another opportunity against a program he already helped beat less than a year ago.

The numbers heavily favor Mestemaker entering the matchup. Hayes owns the bragging rights. Saturday afternoon, one of them gets the first win of 2026.

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