Oregon State

Oregon State enters 2026 with a new head coach in JaMarcus Shephard, tasked with rebuilding a program that managed just two wins last season and ranks 122nd nationally in JP+'s preseason power ratings at -11.5 points. The Beavers lost their top two receivers to the portal — Trent Walker departed for Houston after contributing 42.5 PPA, while David Wells Jr. took his 20.8 PPA to Tulsa — creating massive target-share holes for returning quarterback Maalik Murphy. The offensive line also faces significant turnover, compounding continuity concerns for an offense that already grades out 123rd nationally, though the defense shows more stability at 104th.

JP+ projects 4.7 wins for Oregon State in an 11-game slate that features challenging road trips to Houston and Boise State, plus a home date with Texas Tech among the toughest tests. The Beavers added running back AJ Newberry from Vanderbilt (1.1 PPA) to help replace departed production, but with 35 portal departures costing 57.9 PPA versus just 19 arrivals adding negative-9.1 PPA, this roster took a step backward on paper. If Shephard can stabilize the offensive line and Murphy develops better chemistry with new receiving targets, Oregon State could push toward bowl eligibility. If not, another long season awaits in Corvallis.