The Oregon State Beavers are gearing up for a wild stretch as the college football season winds down. With JaMarcus Shephard stepping in as head coach, expect some real shakeups in the roster.
The transfer portal opens officially on January 2. That window is going to be huge for the Beavers as they try to rebuild and find some fresh energy.
If you want to keep up with the latest, check the transfer portal tracker every so often.
Oregon State Football: A Period of Transition
The regular season is wrapping up, and Oregon State football is bracing for a big overhaul. Players are already announcing their plans to transfer—even before the portal officially opens.
This is a huge transition for the Beavers, especially with Shephard coming in and bringing his own style and vision. There’s a sense of anticipation, maybe even a little anxiety, about how things will play out.
Players Entering the Transfer Portal
So far, eleven players have said they’re transferring out of Oregon State. It’s a mix—juniors, sophomores, redshirt freshmen—each with their own stories and skills.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s heading into the portal:
- Riley Williams – TE | Junior | 6-5, 273 | Portland, OR | ★★★★☆ (2023)
- Kallen Gutridge – QB | Redshirt freshman | 6-3, 209 | Wilsonville, OR | ★★★☆☆ (2024)
- Conrad Hussey – DB | Junior | 6-0, 197 | Sunrise, FL | ★★★★☆ (2023)
- JoJo Johnson – DL | Redshirt sophomore | 6-2, 288 | Salt Lake City, UT | ★★★☆☆ (2023)
- Amarion York – DB | Junior | 6-1, 198 | Fairfield, CA | ★★★☆☆ (2024, JUCO)
- Dylan Sikorski – OL | Redshirt freshman | 6-4, 332 | Sumner, WA | ★★★☆☆ (2024)
- Shamar Meikle – EDGE | Sophomore | 6-3, 228 | Miramar, FL | ★★★☆☆ (2024)
- Taz Reddicks – WR | Redshirt sophomore | 5-11, 194 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | ★★★☆☆ (2023)
- Zakaih Saez – EDGE | Redshirt sophomore | 6-4, 250 | Lake Worth, FL | ★★★☆☆ (2023)
- Ryan Berger – OL | Redshirt sophomore | 6-4, 318 | Hillsboro, OR | ★★☆☆☆ (2023)
- Adam Hawkes – OL | Redshirt freshman | 6-5, 305 | Herriman, UT | ★★★☆☆ (2024)
The Impact of These Departures
Losing this many players is going to sting, no way around it. Experienced guys like Riley Williams and Conrad Hussey have played big roles, so their absence leaves some real gaps.
Younger talents like Kallen Gutridge and Dylan Sikorski are also moving on. That puts pressure on the staff to recruit and develop new faces if they want to stay competitive.
Looking Ahead: Potential Additions
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The transfer portal goes both ways—Oregon State can use it to bring in new talent, too.
Once the portal opens, the Beavers will be out there hustling, looking for players who can step up and fill those empty spots. The coaching staff has their work cut out for them, but there’s also a sense of opportunity in the air.
Areas of Focus for Recruitment
With so many departures, Oregon State has a few clear priorities as they look for new recruits:
- Offensive Line: Losing Ryan Berger and Adam Hawkes hurts. The Beavers need linemen who can protect their quarterback and keep things steady up front.
- Defensive Backfield: With Conrad Hussey and Amarion York gone, the secondary needs help. Finding tough, smart defensive backs is a must.
- Edge Rushers: Shamar Meikle and Zakaih Saez are leaving, so the team needs fresh edge rushers who can get after the quarterback and shake things up on defense.
- Quarterback: With Kallen Gutridge out, they really need to find a reliable backup QB. Depth at quarterback can make or break a season.
Strategies for Successful Recruitment
How does Oregon State actually land the right guys? There are a few approaches that could make a difference:
- Leverage Coaching Staff Connections: JaMarcus Shephard and his staff know people. Tapping into those networks could help them find recruits who fit the vibe and culture here.
- Highlight Opportunities: The Beavers can pitch real chances for playing time and growth. For transfers, that’s a big draw.
- Showcase Facilities and Support: Oregon State’s facilities and athlete support systems are solid. For a lot of recruits, that stuff matters more than you might think.
Conclusion: A New Era for Oregon State Football
The upcoming transfer portal period means big changes for Oregon State football. There’s a new head coach, and several players are jumping into the portal.
Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little nervous about what’s next. But if the Beavers focus on smart recruiting and make the most of the portal, they might just pull together a tough, exciting team for the future.
Want to stay in the loop? Check the transfer portal tracker for all the latest updates.
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