Next Steps For Oregon State Football After Loss To Sam Houston

The Oregon State Beavers are reeling after a loss to Sam Houston, below is where they can improve.
Oct 18, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers interim head coach Robb Akey greets running back Anthony Hankerson (0) after a score during the third quarter against the Lafayette Leopards at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers interim head coach Robb Akey greets running back Anthony Hankerson (0) after a score during the third quarter against the Lafayette Leopards at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

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The Oregon State Beavers suffered one of the most shocking losses in program history when they fell to winless Sam Houston at Reser Stadium. With just two games left in the season, here is where the Beavers can improve going forward.

1. Hire a competent head coach.

This is a “no duh” piece, but a crucial one nonetheless. The Beavers and athletic director Scott Barnes absolutely have to get this next hire correct. The Beavers are now two years removed from being ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and the program has gone into a nosedive since then. Whether it's a long-shot hire like Ed Orgeron or Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, or a more realistic hire like Cal assistant coach Nick Rolovich, the hire has to work - plain and simple.


MORE: Tipped Ball Interceptions Sullied Gabarri Johnson's Day in Oregon State Loss To SHSU


2. Hit the portal to find a quarterback.

Gabarri Johnson throwing a pass against Sam Houston
Nov 8, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback Gabarri Johnson (5) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

It’s becoming more and more clear that the future quarterback of the Oregon State Beavers is not on the roster. Maalik Murphy, who was paid $1.5 million to come to Oregon State has not panned out, and Gabarri Johnson, while undoubtedly athletic, has his own shortcomings. The Beavers should hit the portal this offseason to try to lure an already established quarterback to Corvallis - hopefully with better results than this past offseason's effort.


MORE: Opinion: Was Saturday Night the Worst Loss in Oregon State Program History?


3. Don’t let the heads drop to end the season

It’s important for Oregon State that they finish the season strong. Finishing 2025 with two straight wins would be a great way for the Beavers to move into the offseason with at least a little bit of momentum. The members of the coaching staff and players who do manage to return next year will need to end things on a high note to rid themselves of the stench that this season has been for Oregon State.


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Kyle Clements
KYLE CLEMENTS

Kyle is a 2019 graduate of Southern Oregon University and currently does play-by-play for SOU football and men’s and women’s soccer. He hosts a daily sports show in southern Oregon on The Ace Sports Radio, 107.9 FM and 1300 AM. Kyle also does play-by-play for the Rogue Valley Royals hockey team and the North Medford High School Black Tornado for TableRockSports.net. Kyle lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife and a Dalmatian named Penny.