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State of the Beavs: Why Is This Happening? - What Fits, What Doesn't For OSU Football

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 23:13 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The State of the Beavs: What’s Working, What’s Not, and Where Oregon State Football Is Heading

For a program that once boasted a Heisman‑winning quarterback, a national championship, and a culture of “Beav”‑like grit, Oregon State’s football fortunes have been as uneven as a rain‑slick field in Portland. The latest in a series of “State of the Beavs” pieces on Sports Illustrated lays out a candid assessment of where OSU stands, what has been left behind, and what needs to be done if the Beavs are to return to the upper echelons of the Pac‑12.

A Program in Transition

The article opens by placing the Beavs in the context of a decade‑long rebuild. After four straight losing seasons under former head coach Mike Riley, the school turned to Jonathan Smith in 2023. Smith, a former offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, brought a new offensive philosophy—“smart, spread‑ish football that relies on ball control” – and an insistence that the program’s recruiting focus shift toward local talent and “players who can handle pressure.”

In Smith’s first season, the Beavs went 6‑6, a record that was “the best since 2018” according to the article’s data breakdown. The authors note that while the 6‑6 finish was technically a .500 season, it also represented a significant turnaround from the 1‑12 showings of the prior years. Yet the new head coach was quick to point out that the 2023 season was a “trial run” – a proving ground for his coaching staff and a first look at how the new offense would mesh with the existing roster.

What Fits: A New Coaching Identity

Offensive Scheme – The article applauds Smith’s “smart, spread‑ish” offense. The Beavs have begun to emphasize short, quick passes that allow the running backs to get rid of the ball and the wide receivers to gain yardage behind the defensive line. By using a “flex‑based” formation, the offense can pull the defense into a position where the Beavs’ speed can dominate. While the initial rollout was uneven, the article cites a 30‑point win over Idaho in week 4 as evidence that the system is beginning to click.

Recruiting Geography – The new head coach has been praised for a “re‑envisioned recruiting strategy” that focuses on the Pacific Northwest. The piece cites a 2024 recruiting class that includes a highly‑rated defensive end from Portland and a 5‑star wide receiver from Oregon City. OSU’s willingness to offer a more holistic program—academic support, community service, and a “Beav” culture that values humility—has started to attract prospects that might otherwise have gravitated to bigger schools.

Coaching Staff Chemistry – Smith’s defensive coordinator, former Stanford graduate assistant, brought a “two‑gap” defensive scheme that the article calls “innovative for the region.” While the defensive line has been plagued by injuries, the new scheme has produced two players who have earned All‑Pac‑12 honors in the past two seasons. The synergy between the offensive and defensive coordinators, who previously worked together at the University of Washington, has been highlighted as one of the key positive outcomes of the coaching overhaul.

What Doesn’t Work: Depth, Injuries, and a Still‑Unpolished Offense

Depth Concerns – Even with a promising recruiting class, the article stresses that OSU still lacks depth in key positions. The offensive line is a glaring weakness; a 2023 injury report noted that the team lost two starters on the offensive line in the first week of the season. This lack of depth has left the offense vulnerable to sacks and forced a high number of third‑down conversions against the defense.

Injury Management – The article examines a pattern of “overuse injuries” on both sides of the ball, noting that the coaching staff’s offseason conditioning program may not have adequately addressed the demands of the new offensive system. A senior linebacker who suffered a hamstring tear early in the season has been cited as a case study of the program’s injury problem. Smith’s staff has responded by bringing in a new strength‑and‑conditioning coach, but the article cautions that this will be a process rather than a quick fix.

Offensive Instability – While the new spread‑style offense shows promise, the article points out that it remains a work in progress. Early season stats reveal a 35‑point average in the first five games versus a 48‑point average in the last five games. The inconsistency in the play‑calling, especially on third downs, has caused turnovers and stalled drives. A high‑profile game against USC saw the Beavs fail to convert on multiple third‑and‑short situations, underscoring the need for a more disciplined offensive approach.

Looking Forward: 2024, Recruiting, and a “Beav” Mindset

The article concludes by looking ahead to the 2024 season and the impending “Beav” mindset that Smith hopes will carry the program forward. The key takeaways for the future are:

1. A Stronger Recruiting Pipeline – The new head coach has already secured commitments from a 4‑star wide receiver from Portland and a 5‑star defensive end from Oregon City. The article notes that if the OSU coaching staff can retain these players through their college careers, they could provide the depth that has been missing.

2. Defensive Improvements – The new two‑gap defensive scheme has already produced two All‑Pac‑12 honors. The article predicts that if the coaching staff can continue to develop the linebackers and defensive line, the Beavs could become a more balanced team.

3. Stabilized Offensive Playbook – The article anticipates a more coherent offensive playbook as the 2024 roster gains experience. Smith’s focus on developing a reliable quarterback and a cohesive offensive line is expected to reduce the number of turnovers and improve third‑down efficiency.

4. Culture and Community – The piece highlights that Smith’s emphasis on community engagement—like “Beav‑back” service projects—has already had a positive effect on player morale. A stronger culture of “grit, humility, and teamwork” could make Oregon State a more attractive destination for recruits who value character as much as talent.

Final Thoughts

The “State of the Beavs” piece delivers an unvarnished look at a program on the cusp of change. While the article highlights the strides the Beavs have made—especially in the coaching staff’s chemistry and the recruiting of local talent—it also does not shy away from the deeper problems that still exist. With depth concerns, injury management, and a still‑unfinished offensive system to address, the Beavs’ journey to become a contender in the Pac‑12 is far from over. The next couple of seasons will be telling: will the OSU program fully embrace the new coaching identity and overcome the structural challenges that have long plagued it? Only time—and perhaps a few more seasons of 7‑6 records—will tell.