The offseason movement never ends.
Oregon State University’s football team gets reloaded with new faces hitting the transfer portal, who have now all chosen to make Corvallis, Oregon, their next destination.
Eleven players have transferred into the program. The team is aiming to address all aspects, using the portal to its advantage. A fair number of players on both sides of the ball are coming in.
“Yeah, I’m real excited about this class. I thought we hit on our needs that we have,” said head coach Trent Bray. “It wasn’t just their film, but the way they play and who they are (as people). I think we did a great job (of) evaluating.”
The most recent transfer, Riley Williams, coming on from the University of Miami Hurricanes, is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest. The sophomore was a four-star prospect out of Portland, Oregon from Central Catholic High School and IMG Academy.
“Yeah, (Williams) is special, relentless going for the ball, great hands. I think he will be a great piece overall for the offense,” Bray said.
The talk of the portal, however, has been Maalik Murphy, a signee from the Duke University Blue Devils.
Murphy is rumored to be in competition for the starting position for the 2025 fall season along with freshman quarterback Gabarri Johnson. In the 2024 season, the Beavers quarterback room combined for more turnovers than touchdowns, and the Beaver Nation fans have been clamoring for an answer about the position.
Murphy may just be that answer. He has 26 touchdowns under his belt and a 133 passer rating, after leading the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record and a Gator Bowl game appearance.
“(Murphy) had a great showing this season, great year for him and the Devils. I think he’ll complement our (offensive) game plan well,” Bray said.
Murphy was also offered a 1.5 million dollar NIL deal on top of his commitment, per John Canzano. This is a sign that the Beavers are ready for a player like Murphy.
Out of all the positions acquired so far, OSU has gained the most for their defensive and offensive lines. There are three linemen, two for the O-line and one for the D-line, that are transferring in.
“I mean, it starts in the trenches, investing in those lines, trying to get them game day ready; the plays go with them. It’s always not too bad to have too many great linemen,” Bray said.
The Beavers football staff continue to look toward the transfer portal for more potential talent as the portal reopens on April 16, 2025 for a 10-day period.