Despite the fact that college football has become a transfer hot spot, Oregon State coach Trent Bray is adamant that the high school levels are still the best route to success.
17 of the 18 players in the Beavers’ early signing day class are seniors in high school, the team revealed Wednesday. Defense was emphasized a lot in this class, especially at outside linebacker and cornerback.
OSU SIGNEES
During his first year as head coach of Oregon State, Bray made a strong case for his dedication to nurturing young players. According to Bray, a young person is always intrigued by OSU’s reputation of developing freshmen into possible NFL players during his most recent tenures as assistant coach in 2018, defensive coordinator in 2021, and head coach in 2024.
However, it is indisputable that a large number of players are not pursuing the conventional four- or five-year path to grow at a single institution. For other people, that window might just last two years. According to Bray, this is true at a lot of schools.
Actually, it’s the administration that you work for. Bray expressed his satisfaction with Oregon State’s willingness to let him build a roster. You seen that with coach (Jonathan) Smith and our actions during that time. I believe that the primary areas we will focus on are junior college and high school recruiting.
Bray also thinks that certain athletes are drawn to the new Pac-12, which comprises colleges in the West.
These days, it’s the only conference in the nation where you may play regionally. Some of these players have found it fascinating that their families can actually see them play every weekend, whether they are from California, Washington, or Oregon, according to Bray.
As of right now, 13 out of the 18 Oregon State signees reside in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Washington. Crane tight end Cody Siegner and West Linn offensive lineman Jake Normoyle are the Beavers’ two in-state prospects. Noah Thomas is an offensive lineman in Vancouver, just north of the Columbia River.
According to Bray, the goal was to sign a number of outside linebackers and cornerbacks because of senior losses and juniors who still had one year left at those spots. Since it has worked for Oregon State in the past, Bray expects to move one or more of the outside linebackers, such as Jesse Myers and Niklas Fisher, inside.
Three athletes from Liberty High in Nevada are also in the early 2025 class, including Skyler Jackson, a running back and the son of former OSU standout Steven Jackson. Bray stated that Jackson and linebacker Jeremiah Ioane were being recruited by the Beavers prior to their move to Liberty, despite the fact that it seems like they have a pipeline to Liberty.
Seven signees intend to attend Oregon State’s spring practice and enroll early. They are cornerbacks Trey Glasper, David Madison, and Jalil Tucker; linebackers Bleu Dantzler and Ioane; and safety Sean Craig. Normoyle, who will sign up for spring quarter and take part in the second half of spring drills, is a seventh.
With a few exceptions, Bray stated that early enrollment is practically the only way for them to have a shot to play as freshmen. There are more than just the fifteen spring practices. Attending Oregon State’s winter and spring quarters and taking part in winter conditioning helps students get used to campus.
Tristan Tia, a quarterback, is the sole athlete that verbally committed to OSU but was not publicized with the class. According to Bray, he is doing well and intends to sign in February so that he may rejoice with other signees from Amador Valley High in Pleasanton. California. The Oregonian/OregonLive was informed by a source that Tia is fully committed to enrolling at Oregon State.
The earliest commencement date for the early signing period is December 4. It was moved to relieve coaching staffs of the burden of getting ready for the College Football Playoffs, bowl games, and the transfer portal period, which runs from December 9 to December 28.
When questioned about the origins of the transfer gateway, Bray chuckled.
“When you talk about coaches recruiting our guys and guys saying they intend to enter the transfer portal, the portal window has technically been open for a couple months now,” Bray said.
Bray responded, “Anyone that started for us,” when asked how many of his players had received calls from parties from other colleges.
Bray doesn’t anticipate Oregon State being as active in the portal as they were a year ago, when Jonathan Smith’s abrupt departure shocked the Beavers’ squad. Due to the loss of several starters, Bray stated that he will be searching for roughly six players, with the offensive line receiving the most attention. He may also be looking for a quarterback, defensive lineman, pass rusher, and cornerback.
The contact information for Nick Daschel is 360-607-4824, [email protected], or @nickdaschel.
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