In this week’s Oregon Statemailbag, Nick Daschel of The Oregonian/OregonLive responds to queries from readers on Beaver athletics.
As usual, you may contact Nick [email protected] with any mailbag questions.
Let’s get started:
On Wednesday, I saw that all of the OSU Facebook signees were three stars. Not very long ago, obtaining two-starred players was regarded as a significant accomplishment. Do the stars have the same meaning as they did ten to fifteen years ago? Or should we be encouraged by that? — @mynwexperience
Do I believe that star inflation has occurred over time? Most likely. The same as high school grade inflation. Due to the increased interest in recruiting, there are far more recruiting specialists evaluating players now than there were ten or twenty years ago. However, your claim that Oregon State was a two-star university ten or twenty years ago isn’t entirely true. In 2004 and 2014, Oregon State signed 17 and 19 3-star players, respectively, according to Rivals. Oregon State averaged 15 3-stars every class from 2015 to 2017, the terrible Gary Andersen era.
What is the reason behind Kefense Hynson’s prolonged retention? It has been years since OSU had a strong, much alone a good, group of receivers. Although it appears that the players adore him, we might use a better receivers coach. Travis P.
Did you not enjoy the 2023 receiving class that included Silas Bolden and Anthony Gould? Hynson caught 145 receptions for 2,047 yards and 18 touchdowns while serving as Isaiah Hodgins’ receivers coach in 2018 and 2019. Under Hynson, five OSU receivers have enrolled in NFL preseason or rookie camps. But it doesn’t mean Oregon State couldn’t perform better. But with Hynson as coach, it’s not like the Beavers haven’t produced at receiver. The group was young, but this season was poor. For 2025, there are grounds for cautious optimism.
I just finished listening to the year’s last podcast, and it was enjoyable as usual. Thank you for the Beaver lecture, Isaac (Hodgins) and you. I typically listen to you guys while working out at the gym, and you keep me focused. I’m looking forward to seeing you two next season. Dick P.
After listening to 14 episodes of the pod this season, I’m happy to help you become jacked in the gym. Isaac was excellent. Many individuals have approached me to compliment his understanding. We’ll see roughly a Year 2 because the next season is nine months long. but optimistic.
What if the Cougars/Beavers rivalry game was called We’re Not Your Buddies Bowl from now on? I really enjoy it! Perhaps in this manner, they can improve one another? They will be bound together behind the scenes, but that’s business. This rivalry is necessary for OSU and WSU. Mike K.
You can’t force a rivalry, in my opinion. Although the OSU-WSU series is significant, I have never thought of this as a fierce rivalry. For now, Oregon continues to be Oregon State’s adversary. I am aware that this is not a widely held belief at the moment.
It appears that the PAC-12 is deliberately attempting to wait and just select the top one or two schools, as there are four strong candidates for the eighth football PAC-12 place (Texas State, Tulane, Memphis, and UTSA, most likely in that order). Why? It seems a little hazardous for the PAC to leave this round of realignment at or close to the bare minimum of eight colleges, while the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and ACC have 18, 16, 16, and 15 schools, respectively. Even if Texas State and UTSA aren’t thought of as highly as the others, their presence in Texas may be worth their initial lack of renown or other benefits. In the event that someone tries to leave for a better offer later, wouldn’t the PAC-12 be better off increasing the number of members to at least 11? Zac P.
Future realignment is the reason the Pac-12 intends to maintain fewer schools than the Power leagues. In the words of OSU athletic director Scott Barnes, the Pac-12 wants to stay agile. The Pac-12 cannot commit to being a conference for many years to come, considering the amount of churn that may occur in FBS conferences in the future. I anticipate adding one to three additional teams, for a total of no more than ten football schools.
Many individuals have inquired about Wes Edens at Nvidia in relation to Jensen. Given that he owns both the Milwaukee Bucks and Aston Villa in the Premier League, it is clear that he is an avid sports lover. Are you aware of his involvement with OSU athletics? — @Scoodis1foot2
I questioned a couple folks if Eden has been active from a donor perspective after hearing his name in a recent conversation. If I receive specific information, I will report back.
How much would it cost to acquire a reliable portal quarterback? Five hundred thousand? — Carson D.
Depending on your search, yes. You might get a bargain if the quarterback is a qualified FCS player hoping to jump to the FBS. View Cam Ward’s transfer from Incarnate Word to Washington State two years ago. But an FBS quarterback with a track record of success? The minimum is half a million.
Is it possible, Nick, that DJU may receive a medical redshirt exemption and return to Oregon State for a final season in order to be nearer to his brother? Bennett
It’s uncertain if Uiagalelei’s application for a medical redshirt will be accepted. Before hurting his hand this season, Uiagalelei played five games, which is one more than what is typically considered a redshirt season. As with everything in collegiate athletics, it’s never too early to say whether Uiagalelei will return to OSU. However, it doesn’t seem likely.
Will Oregon State commit a quarterback? — @pieper_fritz
Oregon State’s class will include quarterback Tristan Tia, a three-star prospect from Pleasanton, California’s Amador Valley High, during the February signing period. I’ve heard that Ti’a is on her way to Corvallis.
What do you think is the best? How many of the team’s current quarterbacks will be out for the upcoming season, and how many quarterbacks should be added for the roster? — @2024SportsGuy
Ben Gulbranson is currently a wild card. According to coach Trent Bray, they discussed his future late this week. Gabarri Johnson has declared his intention to make a comeback. The transfer gateway is probably where Gevani McCoy is going. It’s Kallen Gutridge again. Tia will enter the program this summer, as was previously reported. Look for OSU to add one quarterback via the transfer channel, regardless of Gulbranson’s return.
How has OSU’s recruiting of Oregon high school football players changed over time, and will it continue to rise? Bart W.
It is stable. The foundation of Oregon State football will never be Oregon recruiting. The population of Oregon just isn’t large enough to generate a large number of players at the FBS level. OSU signed two in-state prospects this year: Cody Siegner of Crane and Jake Normoyle of West Linn. In February, you’ll likely see a few preferred walk-ons sign as well. Every year, that is the standard.
Which players, in your opinion, have the greatest chance of using the transfer portal? — @BensPapa
As of right now, we know that Andre Jordan Jr. and DJ Wesolak intend to access the transfer portal on Monday. We anticipate McCoy’s departure. I won’t make assumptions about other people. However, OSU might lose eight to twelve more players. This does not imply that the software is failing. After being informed during the coaches’ exit meeting that their future at Oregon State is limited, the majority of those heading to the portal are doing so.
After watching four of the five starters graduate, what do you think the O-Line’s future holds? — @Jackokelly116
The offseason will be fascinating because only center Van Wells is back. Although Tyler Voltin and Jacob Strand demonstrated their abilities in September, they missed the majority of the season due to injury. Their availability in the fall of 2025 is uncertain. Luka Vincic will get a look because he has some snaps this season. Since the media isn’t permitted to watch practice, I can only speculate about the remaining players on the roster. However, anticipate that OSU will be actively searching for offensive linemen through the portal. If the Beavers add three or four transfers, I won’t be shocked.
Will anyone be writing a book or long story about this season, especially for WBB? Given that it might be his most difficult year as coach, it would be fascinating to observe why Scott stayed, prepared, and persevered through the season. Second, is there a possibility that some of the departing WBB players will come back? Some don’t seem to be getting much playing time. Jeffrey W.
It would have been written by someone who did it out of love and not for financial gain. I don’t think it would sell a lot of copies because I feel like people are ready to move on. Regarding players coming back, I would say never, but never say never. Players rarely return after transferring, although the door isn’t closed.
The contact information for Nick Daschel is 360-607-4824, [email protected], or @nickdaschel.
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