The Oregon State Beavers enter the 2025 college football season in a new era, marked by substantial changes to both leadership and conference affiliation, yet they maintain high internal expectations under the direction of first-year head coach Trent Bray. After the departure of Jonathan Smith to Michigan State, Bray, formerly the defensive coordinator, takes over a program that posted an 8–5 record in 2024 and has quietly established itself as a consistent threat in the Pac-12 and now seeks to make noise in its realigned competition. The Beavers’ home field, Reser Stadium, has become one of the most underrated venues in college football, and with the return of several key contributors on both sides of the ball, Oregon State aims to defend its home turf with the same physicality and grit that has become its hallmark in recent years. Bray has emphasized retaining the program’s identity—dominant line play, an effective running game, and a tenacious defense—while also adding layers of creativity to both offensive and defensive schemes. The quarterback situation appears to have stabilized after last year’s mixed results, with 2024 starter Aidan Chiles returning with another year of experience and a better understanding of the playbook. Chiles’ mobility and improved accuracy in the short-to-intermediate passing game will be crucial in replacing the explosiveness lost with the graduation of wideout Silas Bolden. In the backfield, the Beavers return Damien Martinez, a punishing, downhill runner who posted over 1,200 yards in 2024 and is expected to be the focal point of the offense once again, operating behind one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country.

Defensively, Oregon State returns a veteran front seven that thrives on pressure and controlled chaos, featuring All-Conference candidates at linebacker and defensive end. The secondary remains the biggest question mark after a shaky showing in late-season matchups, but transfers and younger talent could offer upgrades in coverage ability and tackling. The Beavers were an impressive 5–2 ATS at home last season, reflecting their strength in front of a raucous home crowd and their ability to control tempo and wear opponents down. With a retooled coaching staff that includes new offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren returning to playcalling duties, the team hopes to strike a balance between efficient ball control and timely vertical shots. Oregon State is fully aware that it can’t afford early-season slip-ups if it wants to stay relevant in playoff conversations or bowl positioning, especially given the uncertainty surrounding its long-term conference status and scheduling. A win against Cal would be a statement that the Beavers, despite transitions, remain a disciplined, battle-ready squad capable of thriving in chaotic environments. Bray’s defensive mindset is expected to yield a team that not only hits hard but plays smart, and with Reser Stadium likely to be rocking under the lights, the Beavers will aim to suffocate Cal’s new-look offense early and dictate the pace from the first series. With stability in the trenches and a proven run game, Oregon State looks poised to continue its ascent under new leadership while maintaining the rugged, blue-collar reputation it has carefully built over the past half-decade.