In his first season as head coach, JaMarcus Shephard has overseen a dramatic transformation of Oregon State’s football program, turning the Beavers into one of college football’s most dynamic offenses and a Pac-12 contender. Just one year after finishing 2-10, Oregon State currently holds a 3-2 record and ranks among the nation’s top 10 teams in total offense and yards per play.

Central to the Beavers’ resurgence is quarterback Braden Atkinson, who leads the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in passing yards per game by a significant margin. Atkinson, who transferred from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is averaging 372 yards through the air per game, 39 yards more than the next closest quarterback. His efficiency has also been notable, with 24 touchdowns against just two interceptions in seven games. In a recent matchup against Colorado State, Atkinson completed 31 of 34 passes for 427 yards and five touchdowns.

Shephard and his coaching staff identified Atkinson as a quarterback with strong decision-making and accuracy during his transfer process. Despite competition from returning starter Maalik Murphy, Atkinson quickly emerged as the likely starter. Offensive coordinator Jim Dahlen praised Atkinson’s football intellect, calling his processing abilities akin to a “supercomputer.”

Another standout in Oregon State’s offense is freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree, who leads the nation in receiving yards per game at 133.2 and currently tops the Pac-12 with 953 yards. Legree’s rise has been notable considering he received no offers until Shephard recruited him right before the signing deadline. Originally a quarterback at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Legree transitioned to wide receiver in his final high school year. He began his college career at Virginia before transferring to Oregon State, where he played a major role after redshirting in 2024.

Shephard’s offensive scheme prioritizes explosive plays and spreading the field, allowing Atkinson and Legree to excel within a system built around their strengths. The coaching staff has focused on uncovering and developing overlooked talent, a strategy that has paid dividends this season.

“We’re finding guys who are overlooked and tell them the truth about who they can be,” Shephard said. He credited his players’ belief in the system as a key factor in their success, noting that their performances have garnered national attention.

With a revitalized attack led by a high-powered passing game, Oregon State is emerging as a legitimate threat in the Pac-12 and a program to watch throughout the remainder of the season.