In the most recent edition of 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:
Is the high rate of football assistant turnover more indicative of housekeeping or of rats abandoning a sinking ship? Gary L.
I have a few inquiries about this subject. For present, the answer is neither. During the Jonathan Smith era, when two or three coaches go for other positions year is more than typical, Oregon State had become accustomed to having a low turnover rate on its coaching staff. This season, the Beavers lost five assistant coaches. That may be a bit excessive, but there are still four options for what might be regarded as upgrades. Running backs Thomas Ford became a head coach, tight ends Jon Boyer transferred to Michigan State for a better salary and a position more in line with his abilities, and offensive linemen Kyle DeVan and Kefense Hynson joined the NFL. The fifth was Keith Heyward, the defensive coordinator, who left for personal reasons.
There might be cause for alarm if OSU loses five of its coaches in the upcoming offseason. But here’s another thing to think about: when college coaches become weary of the roster chaos and the relentless recruiting of their own players, more of them will turn to the NFL.
Should Oregon State postpone the spring game like other schools? John P.
On April 19, Oregon State will play a spring game. Numerous educational institutionsThis year’s traditional spring game will not be held, according to announcements from Texas, USC, Ohio State, and Nebraska. Schools are growing increasingly concerned that the spring game could be used as an opportunity for other schools to observe their players and then make backchannel NIL offers because of the April NCAA transfer portal window. Despite the fact that it is unlawful, nobody in the NCAA seems to care that it is labeled poaching.
Should OSU stop its spring game like everyone else? It’s a good concept. In any case, the Beavers’ spring game doesn’t draw tens of thousands of spectators. Oregon State could lose a few players who might have displayed potential and growth during the offseason as long as there remains a spring transfer portal window.
Beaver Bantercoming will be back online when? Paul E.
The most recent version of Beaver Banter, which has gone through multiple revisions, is a football-only podcast that airs every week during football season. The podcast from last year was the finest since former OSU defensive lineman Isaac Hodgins gave Beaver supporters a wealth of new information. Isaac is still in the early stages of his career, so we’ll see whether it works out, but we want to have him back next season.
Will baseball games that are canceled be replayed? Would the absence of games affect RPI ratings given the Beavs’ extremely constrained schedule? — @theygone238
Only the game versus Houston on Wednesday has been scrapped thus far. There will be no rescheduling of the game. Oregon State’s RPI won’t be destroyed in a single game.It is anticipated that games will be played in Virginia, Oklahoma, and Minnesota this weekend. Additionally, OSU might be able to play a game later in the season against a west coast school that is trying to make up a game.
Is OS football negotiating with any of the old Pac-12 clubs that aren’t Oregon for any upcoming home games? Jimmy
We rarely know about upcoming nonconference games until the deal is finalized because they are often played behind closed doors. Until it has a better idea of what the Pac-12 will look like in 2026, I believe Oregon State is putting a halt to adding to its nonconference agenda. Although there are spots available in 2028 and 2029, a Power 4 nonconference game is already scheduled for each year. It is unlikely that a nonconference matchup against a former Pac-12 team other than Oregon will take place until 2032 or later.
What is OSU’s and Santa Clara’s tiebreaker? There is a significant gap between fourth and fifth place in the WCC competition. Max G.
The reader is referring to the WCC men’s tournament, where the fifth-place team must win four games in four days to earn the tournament title, while the fourth-place team receives a bye into the quarterfinals. Santa Clara sits in fourth place at 10-5 after Thursday’s play, one game ahead of OSU at 9-6. The teams split their regular season series, but they will face each other in the first tiebreaker. Before moving down the ranks until one team has an edge, OSU/Santa Clara records are compared to those of the top WCC team. As long as sixth-place Loyola Marymount is still ahead of seventh-place Washington State, Oregon State is probably going to lose this tiebreaker. Santa Clara (ranked No. 56) holds a significant advantage over the Beavers (ranked 77) in the last tiebreaker, which is the NCAA NET ranking.
After 25 years, Reser Stadium’s naming rights have expired. Any fresh enthusiasm for changing the stadium’s name? And a possible sponsor for the 50-yard line? Dan
According to AD Scott Barnes, who was questioned earlier this week, Reser Stadium’s renaming rights were extended long ago. I’ll try to obtain financial information and an exact expiration date for a future mailbag, but I don’t currently have either.
In comparison to previous years, how are football season ticket sales trending this year? — @Oregonman
Season ticket sales are too early to tell. It’s better to watch spring football. Sales are good, I’ve heard. However, as I’ve frequently stated on social media, having well-known opponents on the home schedule matters when certain Beaver supporters get upset over a series against Oregon. On this year’s home schedule, it’s difficult to identify a must-see. Is California the place? Forest of Wake? The fact that season tickets won’t reach the almost 16,000 sold last year worries me a little. Additionally, a $3 admission fee has been implemented this year to assist in funding athlete perks. However, that does not preclude OSU from finally filling the seats. Reser will be packed if the Beavers win in 2025.
It is evident ESPN and Fox orchestrated the demise of the PAC 12. So why have Oregon State and Washington State not filed litigation against the TV networks, the Big 10, Big 12 and the ACC for collusion and antitrust? By not being part of a Power 4 conference will cost OSU and WSU millions of dollars each year. Kelly M.
As much as some Oregon State boosters want blood from media partners, this is not a wise strategy. Unless you have conclusive proof that ESPN, Fox or others were significantly involved in shenanigans, it s risky to battle them in court. ESPN and Fox aren t going away in college sports. Like it or not, you must find a way to work with them.
If Wayne Tinkle gets 20 wins this year, does he get another year or what is the incentive clause his contract. Personally, I think he has done a good job! To those that hate, then put up significant NIL money. Scott G
There is no such provision for 20 wins in Tinkle s contract. There was a provision written into Tinkle s deal in 2019 that adds a year to his contract if the Beavers earn an NCAA Tournament berth. It s unclear as to whether that applies to the revised contract Tinkle signed in 2021.
Are they going to add Mike Riley as a coach next? Andrew
Doubtful that the former Oregon State coach is interested, but in college football, there s unlimited room to add analysts. Nothing would surprise me.
Why was there no official announcement or acknowledgment regarding Ben Gulbranson moving on? Quite unceremonious for a player who was largely our #2 but stepped up time and time again when the team needed it. He deserves better than that. Evan G
College football teams typically don t announce the departure of a player. They leave it up to the player to make whatever statement he wants to make on social media. Gulbranson is a private person who avoids fanfare. He chose to let his time at Oregon State end quietly.
Thank-you for your tireless Beaver coverage. Wondering about Tinkle s job security. Am I correct that he now only has 1 or 2 years remaining on his contract? Don N
Tinkle has two years remaining on his contract after this season. With 19 wins and at least four games remaining, it s unlikely Oregon State makes a coaching move this offseason. If the Beavers keep most of their roster in place, with the expected addition of point guard Keziah Ekissi, there s reason for buzz in 2025-26. But, if the Beavers collapse down the stretch, a discussion about the future is sure to take place.
With spring practice fast approaching. What position coach do you see receiving the most attention? What new coach do you see having the most impact? What position group do you see receiving the most attention? Craig W
While fans are excited to hear about the impact of quarterback transfer Maalik Murphy, all eyes should focus on the offensive line andthe return of coach Mike Cavanaugh. The Beavers lost four of their five offensive line starters. The rebuilding of the offensive line and its effectiveness in 2025 will have a significant bearing on results.
–Nick Daschelcan be reached at 360-607-4824,[email protected]@nickdaschel.
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