Last year did not go as Oregon State might’ve imagined for several reasons.
Sure, the Beavers went 8-5 overall, were No. 19 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, and even almost beat Pac-12 champion Washington in a two-point contest. But that season also marked the near dissolution of the Pac-12, as every member of the conference went to another Power Four league for the 2024 season.
Also, head coach Jonathan Smith departed for Michigan State. OSU replaced him with Trent Bray.
OSU and Washington State are still without a long-term plan, but they did make a scheduling alliance with the Mountain West for 2024. And even if OSU isn’t considered a Group of Five program, the Beavers will certainly have an impact on how things unfold in the Mountain West.
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Oregon State Football’s National Championship Odds
Oregon State’s odds to win the College Football Playoff national championship are +30000, via BetMGM.
Oregon State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Oregon State’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Under 7.5 at -130 and Over 7.5 at +110.
Oregon State Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Idaho State
9/7 @ San Diego State
9/14 vs. Oregon
9/21 vs. Purdue
10/5 vs. Colorado State
10/12 @ Nevada
10/19 vs. UNLV
10/26 @ Cal
11/9 vs. San Jose State
11/16 @ Air Force
11/23 vs. Washington State
11/29 @ Boise State
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Oregon State Football All-Conference Returners
2023 All-Pac-12 2nd Team
OL Joshua Gray
Oregon State Football Searching For 2024 Starter At Quarterback
Oregon State lost quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who went to Florida State, this offseason. So the Beavers are looking for another signal caller to step up and emerge as the starter.
Ben Gulbranson is the most proven option. He was 7-1 as OSU’s starter in 2022 and has thrown for 1,705 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions on a 62% completion rate over three seasons.
OSU also brought in Missouri transfer Gabarri Johnson and Idaho transfer Gevani McCoy. Johnson redshirted in 2023, while McCoy was a Walter Payton Award finalist last year.
OSU’s top five rushers and receivers from a year ago are gone. However, Jam Griffin is back at OSU after transferring to Ole Miss for the 2023 season. In 2022, he ranked third on the Beavers with 488 yards and four touchdowns on 86 carries. Colorado transfer Anthony Hankerson is new to the team and could see some playing time as well.
As for the passing game, Jimmy Valsin III (11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns in 2023) and Jeremiah Noga (eight catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns last year) are back. Wide receiver Darrius Clemons transferred to OSU from Michigan and should be in a position to contribute.
Oregon State’s transfer class was ranked by 247Sports as the 52nd best out of all FBS teams. The Beavers’ newcomers should help on every level of their defense.
OSU’s top eight tacklers from last year are gone. Cornerback Jaden Robinson tied a team high with eight pass breakups and was first among returning players with 33 tackles a season ago.
2024 Oregon State Football Season Prediction
I predict Oregon State will go Over 7.5 wins but won’t make the College Football Playoff.
I’m confident Oregon State will prove to be a good team in 2024. Even without a true conference home, the Beavers are going to give the Mountain West issues.
I’m anticipating OSU will win at least four games against Mountain West teams. San Diego State, Colorado State, Nevada, and San Jose State are the most winnable matchups in my mind. I also expect the Beavers to open with a win over Idaho State, and they should also defeat Purdue at home.
Where the Beavers’ next two wins are is the question. I don’t know if they’ll beat Oregon, even if it’s at home, and I expect taking on Boise State on the road will be tough as well. Air Force is a winnable contest, but beating the Falcons on the road won’t be easy. Clashes with UNLV at home and Cal on the road are going to be close in my mind, so I think OSU will split those games.
I think it comes down to OSU’s matchup with fellow Pac-2 member Washington State. And because of the talent Oregon State has and the fact that that game is in Corvallis, I lean toward Oregon State winning and ending the regular season with at least eight victories.
