Oregon State WR Eddie Freauff Poised for Leading Role

Today the sophomore wideout from Prineville spoke with reporters. Learn more here.

Sep 6, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Eddie Freauff (14) has the ball but cannot secure the catch during the third quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On New Years Eve, Oregon State lost star wideout Trent Walker, and fellow starting receiver Darrius Clemons.

One man chose to remain in Corvallis: Eddie Freauff. Today, the 6'4" sophomore spoke with local reporters.

After missing time during spring practices, Freauff is back with a renewed love for the game.

"I went through workouts and then I got hurt, and it was just not smart for me to keep participating. Coaches had me out - I kept rehabbing - and then made sure I was ready for camp...it puts into perspective how much I was taking all this for granted; coming into Spring, I very loose about this. I wasn't attacking this the way I should have, and losing what I love made me realize how much I love it, and I'm really grateful to be back for camp. I think it's been a great driver for me."

Before JaMarcus Shephard was Freauff's head coach, the former Washington and Alabama wide receivers coach mentored some of the game's greatest pass-catchers. According to Freauff, one key to his high spirits is the presence of Shephard.

"[He] has brought a lot to our room. He's brought energy, and like an intensity that I haven't really played with, I don't think. And [he has] really [brought] an expectation for us receivers, because he's one of the greatest if not the greatest receiver coach out there. So that comes with a level of expectation for us receivers. I think its just pushing our room to be better every day, in and out, and then just how we treat our bodies, nutrition, and all that."

Following Washington's storybook 2023 season, three of Shephard's wide receivers were selected in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. This past April, the Steelers picked another Shephard protégé Germie Bernard in the second round. Next April, former All-American and All-SEC wide receiver Ryan Williams, yet another Shephard disciple, could hear his name called early on draft weekend.

With a little luck, Freauff could potentially join them. For now, his sights are locked-in on the 2026 season at Oregon State.

"I'm just showing up, doing my work, whatever Shep say, he's going to say it, but I'm just showing up every day working, trying to show that I could be that guy and I am that guy. But like with that being said, all of us are trying to do that, and I'm just grateful for every opportunity that comes my way and just trying to take advantage of every opportunity."

In 2024, the then-true freshman from Crook County High School redshirted without a single snap. Last Fall, he played in all 12 games, with 4 starts, and 144 yards on 12 catches. He is the leading returning wideout on the roster. Freauff and the Beavers first test their mettle Saturday September 5th at Houston.