Oregon State football fans know the 2025 season won’t be short on drama. With a new-look roster, a fresh slate of opponents, and plenty of storylines across the schedule, every week promises something different. From redemption games against old rivals to tricky road tests in tough environments, the Beavers’ path is filled with both opportunity and obstacles. Here’s a game-by-game look at how OSU’s season could unfold—and what Beaver Nation might expect when the dust settles.
Oregon State vs. Cal
This is a matchup that Oregon State fans probably remember. California beat the Beavers 44-7 in Berkeley a season ago. In the rematch, OSU will be facing a much different Golden Bears team. Cal’s best two offensive players transferred in the off-season, leaving the Bears barren on offense. The Bears’ lack of playmakers, Reser Stadium, and Maalik Murphy should prove enough for OSU to win the opening contest.
Record: 1-0
Oregon State vs. Fresno State
If Jeff Tedford were still the coach of Fresno State, this contest would’ve proven different. With Tedford stepping aside last season, the Bulldogs went 6-7 and don’t have the same aura they used to. It also hurts that Fresno quarterback Mikey Keene transferred to Michigan in the off-season. Even if the Bulldogs have a solid defense, they probably won’t be able to keep pace with the Beavs in this outing.
Record: 2-0
Oregon State @ Texas Tech
This is a game that Texas Tech should win, but there’s a real argument that Oregon State could pull the upset. Entering this contest, three factors are working in favor of the Red Raiders. The first two are the return of quarterback Behren Morton and the game being in Lubbock. Tech also landed the second-best transfer class in the off-season. However, Tahj Brooks is now in the NFL, and Washington State beat the Raiders by 21 when he was injured in their game in 2024. This still feels like a bit too much for Oregon State in Lubbock.
Record: 2-1
Oregon State @ Oregon
The Beavers always fight hard against Oregon, but the Ducks are different under Dan Lanning. Lanning has built UO like an SEC team, meaning they’re vicious at every position. This is not the 2022 Oregon team that got run over in the fourth quarter by the Beavs. The Ducks are better at most positions on the field except quarterback. Even if Dante Moore has an off game, Oregon should have enough talent to find a dub.
Record: 2-2
Houston vs. Oregon State
This is a vital matchup for Oregon State this year. Both of these teams enter this season hoping a transfer quarterback can turn around their respective programs. The Cougars ranked second-worst in the nation in points scored per game in 2024, while OSU ranked 95th. UH probably has the better defense, but the Beavs return a lot of talent on offense. Anthony Hankerson, Trent Walker, and Darrius Clemons will prove the difference at the skill positions.
Record: 3-2
Oregon State @ Appalachian State
This should prove a scary game for the Beavs. Appalachian State had an up-and-down season last year and finished with a 5-6 record. The big catch here is that the Mountaineers were 4-1 at home, and Boone is a tough place to play. Even though the game is on the road, App State lost quarterback Joey Aguilar and wideout Kaedin Robinson to UCLA, which should kill their passing attack. The Mountaineers also feature a shaky defense, which OSU should be able to exploit.
Record: 4-2
Wake Forest vs. Oregon State
The Beavers find themselves facing a familiar foe in this contest as they go against former Washington State Head Coach Jake Dickert. They beat Dickert last year when he had John Mateer, which should prove a good omen for this contest. Wake Forest will probably be one of the worst teams in the ACC this season. If Oregon State can hold their two-star players, Robby Ashford and Demond Claiborne, in check, they should be in a good position. They’ll get it done in Corvallis.
Record: 5-2
Lafayette vs. Oregon State
This is not UL Lafayette. The plain Lafayette is not an FBS team. If Oregon State can’t win this game, then everyone in Oregon should cry.
Record: 6-2
Washington State vs. Oregon State
This is the first of two meetings between these teams this year before they join together in the new Pac-12. The last two contests between these squads have proven phenomenal, with OSU winning the previous year and the Cougars in 2023. In the first 2025 version of this matchup, WSU will probably still be finding themselves, considering they have 70 new players on their roster. Cougs quarterback Zevi Eckhaus looked good in the Holiday Bowl, but they don’t have enough around him.
Record: 7-2
Sam Houston State vs. Oregon State
Many Oregon State fans may not realize that Sam Houston State won ten games last season. The problem for the Bearkats is that they got decimated by the transfer portal. They also have a new Head Coach, Phil Longo, who’s 7-14 all time as the guy in charge. Sam Houston has a good quarterback in Hunter Watson, but he probably won’t be leaving the Pacific Northwest with a victory.
Record: 8-2
Oregon State @ Tulsa
Tulsa’s a program that’s struggled recently, and things probably aren’t going to get better this year. They brought in a new Head Coach in Tre Lamb, but he doesn’t have a lot to work with on the defensive side of the ball. The only way OSU loses this game is if they come in on a huge winning streak and overlook the Hurricanes entirely. Maalik Murphy did not come to Corvallis to lose to Tulsa.
Record: 9-2
Oregon State @ Washington State
To preview this game again feels odd. But this time the matchups in Pullman, and it’s hard to beat a team twice in the same month. The Beavs split their series with the Cougs.
Record: 9-3
