While preseason player rankings can create a boost of off-season enthusiasm, there's sometimes a down side in ranking players. While contemplating the nation's top passers for 2026, even an expert like ESPN analyst Greg McElroy can miss out on a few players. And while giving plaudits to Julian Sayin and other top QBs, McElroy missed out on one top passer.

McElroy's QB snub

McElroy snubbed the nation's top returning passer in new Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker. A season ago, Mestemaker went from an unknown freshman who had been a zero-star walk-on to one of the most electrifying passers in the nation at North Texas. Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Mestemaker's credentials

Mestemaker passed for over 200 yards in every game of the season, with a 608 yard passing performance against Charlotte and a 469-yard performance against Rice.…