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Oregon State football: Realistic expectations for the Beavers in 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 4, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) stiff arms away from a tackle attempt by Washington Huskies cornerback Mishael Powell (23) during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) stiff arms away from a tackle attempt by Washington Huskies cornerback Mishael Powell (23) during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time in years, Oregon State football doesn’t feel like the little brother in the state. While Oregon is still the top dog, it doesn’t feel like Oregon State is far behind.

Jonathan Smith has this program trending in the right direction after winning 10 games in 2023 and beating “big brother” Oregon for just the third time since 2007 — two of those wins over the Ducks have come under Smith.

Smith, a former Oregon State quarterback, has come back to his alma mater to lead the Beavers out of the Pac-12’s cellar and he’s done a great job.

In fact, Oregon State was just 2-10 in his first season back in 2018 and they’ve improved just about every year except for 2020. Coming off a 10-win season in 2022, it feels like Oregon State has the talent and momentum to compete for a conference title with the likes of Oregon, Washington, USC, Utah, and UCLA.

So what are the expectations for the Beavers in 2023?

Realistic expectations for Oregon State football

Two of the top three receivers are gone, but the Beavers bring in a talented freshman in Montrel Hatten and Anthony Gould could take another step. But the offense could be built around Damien Martinez who had 982 yards and seven touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry in his first season. Plus, DJ Uiagalelei comes in to man the quarterback position and bring some stability there which was missing last season.

The defense last year was also solid and returns several key players. This team can make some noise in the Pac-12.

Looking at the schedule, I think Oregon State begins the season 4-0 before hosting Utah in a huge Week 5 battle with Pac-12 title implications. I can see the Beavers pulling off an upset win there to start 5-0 and sit somewhere in the AP Top 25. They’ll then beat Cal and UCLA to start 7-0 before a bye. I see them splitting a two-game road trip at Colorado and Arizona before beating Stanford. I do think they lose their last two games against Washington and at Oregon, though.

A 9-3 regular-season record isn’t too shabby and it should have Smith gaining some serious national attention.

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