The Oregon State Beavers find themselves in the spotlight again as they search for a new head football coach after letting go of Trent Bray. Bray, who stepped in during 2023, just couldn’t turn things around, finishing with a 5-14 record.
Now, as the Beavers gear up for their game against the Lafayette Leopards, everyone’s attention is on who’ll lead the team next. There’s a lot of chatter about Bray’s exit, the interim coaching setup, and what’s coming up with Lafayette.
The End of the Trent Bray Era
Trent Bray’s time as head coach of the Oregon State Beavers ended quickly and with plenty of bumps. Bray, once a standout player for Oregon State, took over in November 2023 after Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State.
Even though he had deep roots in the program, Bray just couldn’t get results, closing out with a tough 1-13 run over his last 14 games.
Bray’s Background and Achievements
Bray’s connection to Oregon State goes way back. He played for the Beavers from 2002-05, starting 34 games in a row and racking up 337 tackles—good for sixth in school history.
He made the 2005 Pac-12 First Team and was named the 2004 Insight Bowl MVP. But despite his playing success, his coaching stint just didn’t click.
Interim Head Coach Robb Akey
With Bray out, Oregon State tapped Robb Akey as interim head coach. Akey’s got loads of coaching experience and now faces the challenge of steadying the team for what’s left of the season.
His first big test? Getting the Beavers ready for the Lafayette Leopards.
Akey’s Coaching Background
Robb Akey brings plenty of experience to the table. He’s been a head coach at Idaho and filled lots of assistant roles over his career.
His know-how could help the Beavers regroup and focus.
Upcoming Game Against Lafayette Leopards
The Beavers take on the Lafayette Leopards this Saturday, October 18, 2025. It’s the first time these teams will face each other, which adds a little extra curiosity to the matchup.
The game airs on The CW, with Ted Robinson calling play-by-play, Ryan Leaf offering analysis, and Nigel Burton down on the sidelines.
How to Watch and Listen
You can catch the game on The CW at 7:00 pm. If radio’s more your style, there are plenty of options:
- Sirius/XM Radio: Channels 161 and 201
- Local Radio: KEJO 1240 AM in Corvallis and KEX 1190 AM in Portland
- Beaver Sports Radio Network: Broadcasting in Astoria, Bend, Eugene, and beyond
Mike Parker handles play-by-play on the Beaver Sports Radio Network, joined by Jim Wilson as analyst and Ron Callan on the sidelines.
Oregon State by the Numbers
As the Beavers prep for Lafayette, a few stats and player highlights stand out:
- Gabe Milbourn: 4 catches against Wake Forest, doubling his career total
- Nikko Taylor: 12 career tackles for loss, with 4.5 in the first seven games this year
- Anthony Hankerson: 101 rushing yards vs. Wake Forest, his seventh OSU game over 100 yards, now at 1,549 career rushing yards
- Trent Walker: 598 receiving yards (fifth nationally) and 45 catches
The Beavers have allowed 28 tackles for loss this season, about four per game, which puts them 16th nationally. Still, they’ve managed 15 drives of 10-plus plays, showing some grit and patience.
Historical Context and Coaching Staff
This will be Oregon State’s first game against Lafayette, but they’ve seen Patriot League opponents before. The Beavers played Fordham in 1932 and 1933, splitting those games with one win apiece.
That little slice of history adds just a bit more intrigue to Saturday’s matchup.
Coaching Staff in the Booth
Several key coaches will be up in the press box during the game:
- Ryan Gunderson: Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach
- Rod Chance: Defensive Backs Coach
- Trevon Bradford: Graduate Assistant (Offense)
- Adam Klein: Graduate Assistant (Offense)
- Nick Pickett: Graduate Assistant (Defense)
- Daniel Akey: Special Teams Quality Control Analyst
Their combined experience should help with in-game adjustments and strategy. It’s a lot to juggle, but maybe that’s exactly what the Beavers need right now.
On This Date: October 18
Oregon State has a pretty up-and-down history playing on October 18. Their record stands at 4-9.
The last time they hit the field on this date was back in 2008. They pulled off a 34-13 win over Washington in Seattle.
This year, the Beavers hope to turn things around with a win against Lafayette. Can they do it? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
For more updates and some deeper coverage on the Beavers’ coaching search and upcoming games, check out the 247Sports Network.
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