Legendary football coach Bill Parcells once likened building a roster to shopping for groceries.
In Corvallis, the pantry has been restocked with new talent at running back, cornerback, and on the offensive line. But head coach Trent Bray might need a few more ingredients to perfect this season’s recipe.
With the May 25 transfer portal commitment deadline fast approaching, here are three key positions the Oregon State football team may still be targeting:
Interior Offensive Line
Although returning starters Van Wells (center), JT Hand, and Tyler Voltin (guards) are expected to be reliable this year, Oregon State is still eyeing reinforcements. The main reason? Depth. All three linemen are in their final year of eligibility, and the program lacks a clear group of successors at these crucial interior spots.
Middle Linebacker
Last year, true freshman Dexter Foster was thrown straight into the fire as a starting middle linebacker. Despite performing admirably and earning praise, Foster has also caught the eye of bigger programs. In today’s transfer-portal-driven landscape, it’s wise for the Beavers to prepare for the possibility that their young standout could be lured away.
Oregon State has already felt the sting of NIL and transfer movement. Just six weeks ago, the men’s basketball team lost all five projected starters to the portal. A year earlier, the women’s team saw eight players transfer out. In both cases, larger programs offered more in terms of NIL deals and professional exposure.
With that context, it’s smart to bolster linebacker depth now—before it’s too late.
Kicker
This position remains a major question mark. Three kickers—Caleb Ojeda, Logan McCreery, and Japanese transfer Tetsuta Tsuyumine—are currently vying for the starting role, but none have experience at the NCAA Division I level. Ojeda and McCreery came from junior college programs, while Tsuyumine played in Japan’s collegiate league.
The kicking game isn’t just an afterthought—it can be game-changing. Just last November, Everett Hayes nailed a 55-yard game-winner against Washington State, ending a rough losing streak and changing the tone of the entire offseason. That moment showed how valuable a reliable kicker can be, and it might prompt the coaching staff to consider adding another leg to the mix before fall.
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