In a uniquely challenging year where the Pac-12 was down to just two teams, Oregon State’s 2024 season was inconsistent.
The Beavers won four of their first five contests, only losing to Oregon and earning a victory over Purdue during that stretch. Then OSU lost five straight, with the last three of those matchups being decided by double digits.
The Beavers did beat conference opponent Washington State, though, before losing at Boise State with bowl-eligibility on the line.
Will the Beavers manage to bounce back and get to a bowl game in 2025?
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Oregon State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
OSU’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Under 6.5 at +150 and Over 6.5 at -185, per BetMGM.
Oregon State Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Cal
Sept. 6 vs. Fresno State
Sept. 13 @ Texas Tech
Sept. 20 @ Oregon
Sept. 26 vs. Houston
Oct. 4 @ App State
Oct. 11 vs. Wake Forest
Oct. 18 vs. Lafayette
Nov. 1 vs. Washington State
Nov. 8 vs. Sam Houston
Nov. 15 @ Tulsa
Nov. 29 @ Washington State
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Key Oregon State Football Returners
RB Anthony Hankerson
WR Trent Walker
WR Darrius Clemons
OL Van Wells
DB Skyler Thomas
LB Nikko Taylor
LB Dexter Foster
DB Sailasa Vadrawale III
Oregon State Football Returning Standout Players
Oregon State was 60th in the FBS in total offense (390.6 yards per game) and 95th in the country in scoring offense (24.2 points per game) a season ago. The Beavers ranked 98th in the country in total defense (399.9 yards per game allowed) and 101st in scoring defense (29.92 points per game).
So they will be aiming to improve on both sides of the ball this year.
Oregon State has some solid players returning. But the Beavers also have to adjust following some losses as well.
Gevani McCoy, the Beavers’ starting quarterback last year, is now at Temple. But OSU did address the position in the transfer portal.
Maalik Murphy is now a Beaver after starting 12 games for Duke a season ago. He threw for 26 touchdowns, which ranked 13th in the country and was a single-season program record, and 2,933 yards, which ranked 22nd in the FBS. He also completed 60% of his passes while throwing 12 interceptions.
Gabarri Johnson, a former Missouri transfer who played in six games at OSU and completed 15 of 29 passes for 174 yards to go with 106 yards and one touchdown rushing in 2024, is also back.
Whoever plays quarterback will have some experienced weapons around him. Anthony Hankerson is on the roster after leading OSU with 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground to go with 151 yards on 27 receptions.
Wide receivers Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons are also returning. Walker paced the Beavers with 81 receptions for 901 yards and two touchdowns, while Clemons added 292 yards and two touchdowns on 25 catches.
Joshua Gray, who was a stalwart for the Oregon State offensive line, is now in the NFL. Center Van Wells and guard Tyler Voltin are two Day 1 starters from last year who are back.
The Beavers also return some key players on defense. Defensive back Skyler Thomas led the Beavers with 81 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and nine passes defended to go with one interception a season ago.
Linebacker Nikko Taylor is returning after pacing the Beavers with 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in 2024. He was also third on the team with 46 tackles and added three passes defended.
Linebacker Dexter Foster, who contributed 43 tackles and one sack, and defensive back Sailasa Vadrawale III, who recorded 30 tackles, four passes defended, and an interception, are also among OSU’s returners.
Oregon State Football Season Prediction
I predict Oregon State will go Over 6.5 wins during the regular season.
I think the Beavers will prove to be much better than they were a year ago. I also don’t think their schedule is all that brutal in comparison.
Road trips to Texas Tech, Oregon, and Washington State might be difficult. But other than that, I think all of Oregon State’s games are winnable.
In fact, I could see OSU going undefeated at home. The Beavers’ home matchups with Cal, Fresno State, Houston, Wake Forest, Lafayette, Wazzu, and Sam Houston could all end up going OSU’s way. I also think road clashes with Tulsa and App State could be games where the Beavers are favored as well.
I don’t think Oregon State will go undefeated, but I could see the Beavers achieving as many as nine wins in 2025.
