Arch Manning and Drew Mestemaker: Overrated or Underrated? A Deep Dive into College Football's Polarizing Players
In the world of college football, opinions are often as diverse as the players themselves. The recent poll by CBS Sports, seeking insights from player personnel executives, has shed light on the contrasting views surrounding Arch Manning and Drew Mestemaker, two quarterbacks who have sparked intense debates.
The Case Against Arch Manning
Manning, a star quarterback for Texas, has been a lightning rod for criticism. One NFL scout, in particular, expressed reservations about his potential as a top-tier quarterback. The scout's concerns centered around Manning's lower-body mechanics, noting that he tends to sail deep passes, which could be a significant liability at the professional level. This assessment is not without merit, as Manning's performance in his first season as a starter was inconsistent, with notable struggles in high-pressure situations.
The viral catch made by Cam Coleman, Manning's top receiver, only added fuel to the fire. While some may celebrate such moments as signs of a player's potential, others view them as overhyped, especially when they occur in a single game. The internet's reaction to this viral play underscores the polarizing nature of Manning's talent.
Drew Mestemaker: The Underrated Contender?
In contrast, Mestemaker, a quarterback at Oklahoma State, has been labeled as overrated by a majority of the experts. Despite impressive statistics, including a nation's best 4,379 passing yards and second-best 34 touchdowns, Mestemaker's talent is still considered unproven at the Power Four level. The experts' skepticism is further fueled by the prediction that Oklahoma State might not even make a bowl game, raising questions about the team's overall competitiveness.
Comparisons with other quarterbacks, such as Jayden Maiva, Julian Sayin, and John Mateer, suggest that Mestemaker might not be as highly regarded as some of his peers. His ranking in the CBS Sports top 150 players list at No. 9 overall seems to reflect this underestimation.
The Underrated Players: Leonard Moore and Colin Simmons
The poll also highlighted two players who were deemed underrated: Leonard Moore, a cornerback at Notre Dame, and Colin Simmons, a defensive end at Texas. Moore, projected as a top-10 draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, is expected to be a cornerstone of Notre Dame's defense in 2026. Simmons, a former five-star recruit, had a stellar season with 12 sacks and three forced fumbles, making him a top-10 draft prospect if he continues to excel.
The Case for Kewan Lacy
Kewan Lacy, an Ole Miss running back, received underrated votes as well. While one expert criticized his positional value, others praised his contributions to the offense. Lacy's performance in the 2025 season, with 24 touchdowns and 1,567 rushing yards, was remarkable, especially for an Ole Miss team that reached the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Talent Evaluation
The poll's findings underscore the complexity of talent evaluation in college football. While some players like Manning and Mestemaker have garnered significant attention, others like Moore and Simmons are quietly building cases for themselves as top prospects. The experts' insights provide a nuanced perspective, reminding us that talent assessment is not always straightforward and can be highly subjective.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the performance of these players will be under the microscope, and their true potential will be revealed. The debate surrounding their rankings will continue, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the fine line between overrated and underrated in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
