Oregon State football's newcomers showcased their skills during the spring game, indicating they could have a significant impact this fall. Head coach JaMarcus Shephard welcomed over 20 transfer players and several freshmen to the team.
Key points
Oregon State football newcomers made their debut in the spring game
JaMarcus Shephard is the new head coach
Over 20 players were added from the transfer portal
Freshmen also joined the roster this spring
Newcomers showed potential for the upcoming fall season
Mentioned in this story
JaMarcus Shephard
Oregon State Beavers
CORVALLIS — Several Oregon State football newcomers made their Reser Stadium debuts in the April 25 spring game and showed the potential to make an immediate impact in the fall.
New head coach JaMarcus Shephard and his staff brought in over 20 players from the transfer portal and also added a handful of freshmen to the roster this spring.
Fans got their first look at the newcomers in game action in a structured setting in the spring game.
The Beavers' offensive weaponry at wide receiver, tight end and running back had bright spots.
“They’re a hard-working group and I’m just really proud of this group that we brought in here because it speaks toward the type of individuals that we will bring into our program here at Oregon State,” Shephard said after the spring game.
The Oregon State football players warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Corvallis, Ore.
The Oregon State football players warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Corvallis, Ore.
Freshmen making an impact
Running back Tre Garrison scored one of three touchdowns in the game.
Garrison, an incoming freshman from New Orleans, wears his 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame strongly on the field. He signed with Washington State but flipped his commitment to the Shephard-led Beavers in December 2025
His touchdown came on a firm 4-yard run from a handoff delivered by quarterback Maalik Murphy.
Jesse Legree, a freshman wide receiver from Baltimore, had a handful of catches and solid plays in the spring game, including an impressive 20-yard reception from quarterback Brady Jones.
Q&A
Which newcomers stood out in the Oregon State spring game?
Several newcomers, including freshmen and transfer players, showed potential during their Reser Stadium debuts in the spring game.
Who is the new head coach of Oregon State football?
JaMarcus Shephard is the new head coach of Oregon State football, leading the team into the upcoming season.
How many players did Oregon State add from the transfer portal?
Oregon State added over 20 players from the transfer portal this spring.
What positions did the newcomers play in the spring game?
The newcomers primarily played at wide receiver, tight end, and running back during the spring game.
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“He’s one of those freshmen who has been a thorn in (the defense’s) side all spring,” Shephard said of Legree.
Legree was a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports, and played as a two-way utility player in high school. His athleticism is undeniable, and it’s landed him an early spot among OSU’s wide receiver rotation.
Shephard said the Oregon State defense, which won the spring scrimmage on a scoring system, did a good job of covering Legree as he threatened to “take the game over” at times.
Additional freshmen offense weapons such as receivers Jameson Powell and Cynai Thomas were out running routes and the recipients of multiple targets from Oregon State’s slew of quarterbacks.
Thomas, the younger brother of former Beavers defensive back Skylar Thomas (who just signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent), stands at 6-3 and was a three-star high recruit in San Francisco.
Powell, likewise, is a three-star recruit out of California who was labeled as “talented enough to play for just about (any) school in the country,” by 247Sports.
Oregon State football coach JaMarcus Shephard has more than 20 transfers and true freshmen on the roster in his first season in Corvallis.
Oregon State football coach JaMarcus Shephard has more than 20 transfers and true freshmen on the roster in his first season in Corvallis.
Transfer players gaining traction
Oregon State’s transfer additions were scattered around the field in numerous positions. But like the freshmen class, they made noticeable impacts.
Two of Shephard’s flagship signings, sophomores Aaron Butler and Aeryn Hampton, made meaningful catches in the spring game.
The pair were nationally touted as high school recruits and spent a season at two of the most prestigious football programs in the country. So hopes are high as Shephard is known developing wide receivers.
Butler, who transferred from Texas as a four-star recruit and was a three-star portal prospect, was targeted as many times as nearly any receiver and delivered one of the plays of the day with a 50-yard catch from quarterback Braden Atkinson.
Hampton, who was with Shephard at Alabama last year and was a top-30 player in the state of Texas in high school, caught a 30-yard pass from Jones in addition to a few more targets and receptions.
Wide receiver Aeryn Hampton made the move to Oregon State from Alabama, where he spent last season with current Beavers coach JaMarcus Shephard. Hampton was a highly recruited high school player out of Texas.
Wide receiver Aeryn Hampton made the move to Oregon State from Alabama, where he spent last season with current Beavers coach JaMarcus Shephard. Hampton was a highly recruited high school player out of Texas.
After the spring game, Shephard alluded to the potential of using a two-tight end set when needed.
Among several tight ends returning to the room, Shephard brought in seniors Eric Olsen from Utah Tech and Decorion Temple from Western Michigan.
The 6-5 Olsen, who said he plans on growing beyond his current 230-pound frame, was born in Salem and spent his freshman high school season at McNary.
He had several catches in the spring game, including a 20-yard catch near the end of the contest.
“We did a lot of great things … we still have a lot of things we can work on, but overall, since the beginning of spring, I think we’ve improved tremendously,” Olsen said. “If you were to see us from our first practice to now, I think we’ve made great strides in our offense.”
Olsen said the offense has grown comfortable with the playbook and operation while growing accustomed to the dynamics of each player.
Temple, similarly, had a few first-down catches. A 6-6 Michigan native, he may just play a big role in Shephard’s overarching tight end plan.
“I’ll say this, our tight end room is one that I’m really excited about with what we’re capable of,” Shephard said. “We’ll continue to push that group and make sure that they know they can be standard of our entire football team.”
The Oregon State cheerleaders rally fans before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Mateo Legorreta, 2, of Springfield, left, takes a picture with Benny Beaver before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Fans wait for the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State Spring Game takes place at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Caleb Ojeda (28) kicks the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
The Oregon State players run onto the field before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
The Oregon State football players warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Maalik Murphy throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Braden Atkinson (2) throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Isaiah Arriaza throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Gabe Milbourn (82) catches the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Brady Jones throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State fans wait for Spring Game to start at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Maalik Murphy, right, hands the ball to AJ Newberry before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Isaiah Houi runs the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Braden Atkinson, right, hands the ball to Cornell Hatcher Jr. before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Brady Jones, left, hands the ball to Skyler Jackson before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Skyler Jackson runs the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Isaiah Arriaza hands the ball to Isaiah Houi before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
The Oregon State offensive and defensive linemen run drills before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Harlem Howard jumps for the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Tyjai Hopper jumps for the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Gyriece Goodman practices tackling before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State edges coach Joe Seumalo, right, does drills with Adrian Onyiego before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Oregon State's Niklas Fisher, right, goes around Oregon State edges coach Joe Seumalo before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
The Oregon State football team huddles before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
The Oregon State cheerleaders rally fans before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
The Oregon State cheerleaders rally fans before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Mateo Legorreta, 2, of Springfield, left, takes a picture with Benny Beaver before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Fans wait for the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State Spring Game takes place at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Caleb Ojeda (28) kicks the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
The Oregon State players run onto the field before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football freshmen, newcomers making early impact
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football freshmen, newcomers making early impact
The Oregon State football players warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Maalik Murphy throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Braden Atkinson (2) throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Isaiah Arriaza throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football working to plug holes as spring concludes
Oregon State's Gabe Milbourn (82) catches the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Brady Jones throws the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State fans wait for Spring Game to start at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football working to plug holes as spring concludes
Oregon State's Maalik Murphy, right, hands the ball to AJ Newberry before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Isaiah Houi runs the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Braden Atkinson, right, hands the ball to Cornell Hatcher Jr. before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Brady Jones, left, hands the ball to Skyler Jackson before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Skyler Jackson runs the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Isaiah Arriaza hands the ball to Isaiah Houi before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football working to plug holes as spring concludes
The Oregon State offensive and defensive linemen run drills before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Harlem Howard jumps for the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Tyjai Hopper jumps for the ball before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Gyriece Goodman practices tackling before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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Oregon State football working to plug holes as spring concludes
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State edges coach Joe Seumalo, right, does drills with Adrian Onyiego before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
Oregon State's Niklas Fisher, right, goes around Oregon State edges coach Joe Seumalo before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
The Oregon State football team huddles before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on April 25 in Corvallis.
Landon Bartlett covers Oregon State and high school sports for the Statesman Journal.He can be reached at LBartlett@statesmanjournal.com or on X, TikTok or Instagram @bartlelo.
