Oregon State football held its annual spring game on April 25, showcasing a new era under head coach JaMarcus Shephard. The defense won the contest, while the offense scored three touchdowns and went 2 of 4 on field goals.
Key points
Oregon State football held its annual spring game on April 25
JaMarcus Shephard is the new head coach
The defense won the spring game
The offense scored three touchdowns
The Beavers went 2 of 4 on field goals
Mentioned in this story
JaMarcus Shephard
Oregon State Beavers
CORVALLIS — Oregon State football is back.
The Beavers held their annual spring game April 25 on a cloudless Saturday afternoon at Reser Stadium to kickstart a new era of football with head coach JaMarcus Shephard at the helm.
Saturday’s showcase scrimmage featured half an hour of drills before the offense, dressed in white led by quarterbacks in orange, took on the defense, draped in black.
The defense won the uniquely scored contest, scoring points for punts, stopped fourth downs, missed field goals, turnovers and three-and-outs. The Oregon State offense scored three touchdowns in total and went 2 of 4 on field goals.
After the game Shephard discussed his thoughts about the afternoon and what he wants his Beavers to continue working on.
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Corvallis, Ore.
Oregon State head coach JaMarcus Shephard watches his team warm up before the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Corvallis, Ore.
‘We’ve got to get stronger’
A running theme for over a year at Reser Stadium has been the size and production of the offensive line.
The line is the engine that makes the offense run and to Shephard and the Oregon State coaching staff, the engine needs to get bigger, faster and stronger.
“We didn’t block worth a plug nickel,” Shephard said after the spring game. “I feel like we didn’t move the line of scrimmage at all. It’s a significant challenge for our offensive line … we’ve got to get stronger, more physical, more angry, more violent and have a chip on our shoulder every single day.”
Josiah Timoteo, Nathan Elu, Carter Guillaume, Will Larkins and Teko Shoats were the first offensive line unit to take the field. It’s a combination of returning players and transfers, and numerous others were rotated through the lineups.
Regis High School graduate Tyler Voltin, a senior, is among the linemen Shephard wants to see growth from.
Q&A
What were the results of the Oregon State spring football game?
The defense won the spring game, scoring points for various defensive achievements, while the offense scored three touchdowns and made 2 of 4 field goals.
Who is the new head coach of Oregon State football?
JaMarcus Shephard is the new head coach of Oregon State football.
When did the Oregon State spring football game take place?
The Oregon State spring football game took place on April 25.
What improvements did Coach Shephard mention after the spring game?
Coach Shephard discussed his thoughts on the game and highlighted areas he wants the Beavers to continue working on.
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“Interchanging some of the other guys once they’re back healthy and giving them a chance to shore up some things is something we’ll do to make sure we have the right five out there when it’s time for us to have the right five out there,” Shephard said.
But the line isn’t the only position group Shephard wants to see physical growth from. He wants to see it across the board, on both sides of the ball.
“For me, it’s bigger, faster, stronger, put on some weight,” tight end Eric Olsen said. “I’m going to be going against some big guys down in the trenches so I just got to keep getting stronger, keep putting on some weight and getting my speed up.”
The Oregon State offensive line, at left, prepares to snap the ball April 25 during warmups for the Beavers' spring game at Reser Stadium. OSU coach JaMarcus Shepard is looking for his O-line to get stronger heading into the upcoming season.
The Oregon State offensive line, at left, prepares to snap the ball April 25 during warmups for the Beavers' spring game at Reser Stadium. OSU coach JaMarcus Shepard is looking for his O-line to get stronger heading into the upcoming season.
Running a tight end-heavy offense
Olsen was a member of a tight end room that saw a lot of snaps, a lot of targets and a versatile style of work in the spring scrimmage.
Jackson Bowers, a former BYU transfer in his second season in Corvallis, was the first tight end to take the field. From there, consistent appearances from Bowers, Olsen, Gabe Milbourn and Decorion Temple made for a carousel at the position.
They were heavily involved in the game, and it may be a hint at what Shephard wants to do with his offense this fall.
“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.”
Shephard referenced former coaches and players from the position group that inspire his craftmanship with this roster, including current Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee and the Rams' coaching staff.
“Ultimately, the tight end has always been that piece of the offense that made the offense diverse, in my opinion,” Shephard said.
The ideal tight end possesses a variety of blocking and receiving qualities to keep the team versatile and unpredictable, the coach added, and his players are working to mold their games like the pros they watch.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for tight ends in this offense,” Olsen said. “I see a lot of teams like to use tight ends a lot in pass game and then a lot of play action, all that stuff. A great example is the (San Francisco) 49ers .. teams like that is what I kind of strive to play like.”
The 49ers aren’t shy to run out a double-tight end offense.
“They’ve been performing well every single day of spring practice, so they’ll be a major part of our offense,” Shephard said of his players.
Oregon State's Gabe Milbourn (82) makes a catch before the Beavers' spring game. Tight ends are expected to be major factors in the OSU offense this fall.
Oregon State's Gabe Milbourn (82) makes a catch before the Beavers' spring game. Tight ends are expected to be major factors in the OSU offense this fall.
A toss-up at quarterback
Who’s going to be throwing to those tight ends remains a mystery in Corvallis.
Last season’s starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, took the third possession of the game, but his lineup could be interpreted as a first-string unit.
He jogged out with running back Cornell Hatcher Jr., a true sophomore, to his left. A trio of Jesse Legree, Cynai Thomas and Aeryn Hampton, two freshmen and an Alabama sophomore transfer, were the receivers. Bowers was Murphy’s starting tight end, and the pair made a handful of quality connections in their brief stint.
Murphy and his offensive weaponry weren’t consistently together, though, as a new combination of running backs and receivers accompanied Murphy on nearly every new set of downs.
Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, right, hands off the ball to AJ Newberry before the spring game. The battle for the starting quarterback role appears to be a three-player competition.
Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, right, hands off the ball to AJ Newberry before the spring game. The battle for the starting quarterback role appears to be a three-player competition.
Shephard stressed that the quarterback job is up for grabs, and he’s letting it solve itself.
“I addressed the whole team and made it very clear to everybody that it is an open competition still, at every position,” Shephard said. “Today, in totality, was not up to the standard that I hold myself and that they hold themselves to.”
Shephard said Murphy showed flashes of what he wants, but also showed flashes of qualities that could still use some work. Both of the other quarterbacks who played in the game were the same way.
Braden Atkinson, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound sophomore transfer from Mercer, took the first snap of the scrimmage.
The first touchdown of the day came from running back Kourdey Glass on a screen pass from Atkison. Glass weaved in and out of defenders after a pass for a 67-yard touchdown.
“I felt like Braden really made some good throws out there at times, really pushed the ball down the field a couple times and really showed that he can get the ball out on time,” Shephard said.
The second quarterback to take the field was Brady Jones, who came to Corvallis from Western Michigan.
“I really wanted to see Brady Jones play better than what he did and he knows it,” Shephard said. “The standard that he had set to this point, he was not reaching that to this point. He’s got a lot of work to do between now and our first game to show me that he’s prepared to go out there and be one of our quarterbacks.”
In regard to those three vying for the starting spot and carving out a leadership role with this team, Shephard is letting the players speak for themselves. Who will emerge, Shephard said he doesn't know.
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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See photos from 2026 Oregon State football ahead of spring game
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
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 high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at LBartlett@statesmanjournal.com or on X, TikTok or Instagram @bartlelo.