Oregon State football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Oregon State opens 2026 season at No. 24 Houston Saturday 9 a.m. PT on ESPN. New coach JaMarcus Shephard debuts with a rebuilt roster and 20.5-point underdog status.
Background
Oregon State football is starting a new era under first-time head coach JaMarcus Shephard after a dismal 2-10 season in 2025. The Beavers have a rebuilt roster with many transfers and a new starting quarterback, Braden Atkinson, a sophomore from Mercer. They face a tough opener against No. 24 Houston, which had a 10-win season last year and is led by quarterback Connor Weigman. The game also features former Oregon State receiver Trent Walker, now playing for Houston.
How it unfolded
- Aug 31, 2026Oregon State announces it will open the 2026 season Saturday in Houston; coach JaMarcus Shephard names Braden Atkinson starting quarterback.
- Sep 2, 2026Jaheim Patterson and Van Wells are granted a temporary restraining order allowing them to play in the season opener, despite NCAA eligibility issues.
- Sep 3, 2026Oregon State defenders meet the media, discussing preparations for Houston's high-powered offense.
- Sep 5, 2026Oregon State plays at Houston at 9 a.m. PT on ESPN, with kickoff imminent.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Fox Sports experts pick Houston to win big, citing Oregon State's struggles and inexperience at quarterback.
- Support
- Oregon State coach JaMarcus Shephard emphasizes a 'next play mentality' and reshaping the team's response to adversity.
- Caution
- Some analysts note Oregon State's 20.5-point underdog status, but recall the Beavers won their first three road games in 2023.
Still unverified
The temporary restraining order for Patterson and Wells is temporary and subject to a preliminary injunction hearing on Sept. 10; their eligibility remains uncertain beyond the first two games.