Oregon State Beavers Football Offseason Preview

The Oregon State Beavers had some notable successes last season, but also some notable failures. The program displayed a measure of its potential but also reminded observers why the Beavers are still a half-step behind their chief rival, the Oregon Ducks, in the Pac-12 Conference. As the 2022 season arrives, Oregon State knows what it needs to improve in order to take the next step toward championship-level legitimacy. This program is competitive and is carving out an identity, but being able to carry that identity to a higher level remains a distinctly daunting challenge for head coach Jonathan Smith, a former Oregon State player who won big with the program over 20 years ago and is now trying to win big as a coach.

Key Personnel Lost

The Beavers did not have significant representation at the 2022 NFL draft, which on one hand is not something the program can point to in terms of recruiting and player development. On the other hand, it also means that it did not lose very many NFL-caliber players, which means its roster is not that depleted entering the new season. It’s a mixed bag. Tight end Teagan Quitoriano was the one Oregon State player who got drafted. In Oregon State’s offense, tight ends do a lot of run blocking in addition to pass catching, so it will be interesting to see what adjustments are made in response to this roster change.

Important Incoming Freshmen

Center Dylan Lopez, cornerback Noble Thomas, defensive end Mathias Malaki-Donaldson, linebacker Melvin Jordan, offensive tackle Luka Vincic, and cornerback Ryan Cooper are the higher-rated recruits Smith has brought to Corvallis for the coming season. As with many other Pac-12 programs who are chasing Utah, Oregon, and USC – the top three contenders in the conference – Oregon State is wondering if it can get instant contributions from these freshmen in order to narrow the gap between itself and the top tier of the Pac-12. Oregon State plays a huge game against USC in Week 4 of the season in late September. Will these players be ready by then? Will they be able to make an impact one month into the season and raise this team’s ceiling? That’s a very important question surrounding Oregon State football in the coming season.

Key Position Battles

As Oregon State showed in the 2021 season, the defense was a very weak link. The offense normally did its job – not always, but most of the time. The defense collapsed on several occasions, most notably in a road loss against a not-very-potent California Golden Bear offense. Oregon State needs more heft and toughness on its defensive line. The Beavers got shoved around far too often and will need to be more robust and rugged up front. If the defensive line can’t significantly improve, this team’s margin for error won’t increase. It’s that simple. The coaching staff needs to be better at identifying and cultivating talent on its front four.

Biggest Offseason Goal(s)

The Beavers’ defense cratered in road games last year. The Beavers were very tough at home but did not travel well. Getting a higher level of toughness and physicality on defense is clearly the foremost goal for this team.