Oregon State Has a New Coach—but One More Battle Before the New Era Begins
Oregon State football officially knows who will lead the program next season, but before the JaMarcus Shephard era kicks off, there’s still one final hurdle to clear this year. The Beavers (2-9) head north to Pullman for a rematch with Washington State (5-6), marking the end of the short-lived “Pac-2” chapter before the new-look Pac-12 begins in 2026. And here’s where it gets interesting—this game could mean everything for the Cougars, and pride for the Beavers.
Game Details
Matchup: Oregon State (2-9) at Washington State (5-6)
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 3:30 p.m. PT
Location: Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington
TV: The CW
Streaming: Available through DIRECTV and Fubo (both offering free trials). Regional restrictions apply, meaning availability could vary outside Oregon and Washington.
Latest Odds (as of Nov. 28): Washington State favored by 13.5; over/under 43 (via The Action Network)
Ti’a Takes Center Stage
The biggest question circling Corvallis this week: who starts under center? Freshman quarterback Tristan Ti’a became a talking point after a sparkling finish against Tulsa—completing 8 of 11 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Those closing drives gave Oregon State fans a rare jolt of excitement in what’s been a long, frustrating season.
Ti’a stated publicly that he wants to stay with the Beavers if given the chance to develop under the incoming coaching staff. Saturday could be his moment to prove he’s part of the team’s future foundation. Interim head coach Robb Akey hasn’t officially announced who will start, but all signs hint that Ti’a will take the field in Pullman. The real question: will he rise to the occasion or discover the growing pains of leadership in real time?
Spoiler Alert: Bowl Dreams on the Line
Oregon State’s not chasing postseason glory—they’re just trying to avoid a 10-loss season. Yet, there’s still motivation: the chance to play spoiler. Washington State sits one win away from bowl eligibility under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
In their earlier meeting, the Beavers edged out the Cougars 10-7 in a gritty defensive duel. But could that repeat? Maybe—or it could flip completely. Dual-threat quarterback Zevi Eckhaus has been a headache for defenses lately, bouncing between the air and ground with ease. If Ti’a ignites Oregon State’s offense and Eckhaus continues his recent rhythm, we could be in for the exact opposite of their first clash—a shootout that tests both defenses.
Words from the Locker Room
“Each of them have opportunities to make plays and things that they could put on tape, so they could either be invited to stay here or get invited to go to somebody’s place in the portal,” said interim coach Robb Akey. “There’s a lot to play for there, but I would hope that the love of the game and the brotherhood that they have amongst each other, that alone should be a hell of a lot.”
It’s an honest take—players’ futures, loyalty, and pride all hang in the balance. But does the transfer portal culture risk eroding that traditional sense of team unity? That’s a debate likely to draw strong opinions.
Series Snapshot
Washington State controls the historical series 57-49-3. However, Oregon State took the earlier matchup this year in Pullman, 10-7. That win gives Beaver fans at least some hope of repeating history—if they can rediscover the same defensive focus.
Prediction
Washington State 34, Oregon State 24. The Cougars have more to play for, but the Beavers could make it close—especially if Ti’a delivers another breakout performance.
Related Stories
- Oregon State tight end Riley Williams enters the transfer portal.
- Oregon State officially hires Alabama assistant JaMarcus Shephard as next head coach.
- Oregon State women’s basketball falls to No. 17 Vanderbilt for their second loss of the season.
Your Turn: Should Robb Akey give Ti’a the keys to the offense no matter what, or should he protect the freshman’s confidence with a shared approach? And deeper still—does bowl eligibility mean anything in a season full of realignment chaos? Drop your thoughts below; this one’s guaranteed to spark debate.
