Oregon State football: Realistic post-spring expectations for 2023

Oregon State football had one of its most successful seasons in years in 2022 thanks to the coaching of Jonathan Smith who pieced together a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.

The Beavers finished in the top 40 nationally in scoring offense as well as scoring defense, leading to a 10-3 record. But there was a lot that was still left to be desired, such as quarterback play. So how did Smith address that? He went out and landed former five-star and multi-year Clemson starter DJ Uiagalelei.

The offense should see an uptick with Uiagalelei getting a much-needed change of scenery and fans got their first taste of the team with him at quarterback this spring.

If the defense can be even close to what it was in 2022 with the offense improving, we could see the Beavers taking another step in the right direction.

But what are the realistic expectations for Oregon State in 2023?

Realistic post-spring expectations for Oregon State football

I don’t think we’re going to see Oregon State win 10 games again, but that doesn’t mean the Beavers aren’t capable of that.

Looking at the schedule, the sure wins would have to be San Jose State, UC Davis, San Diego State, Cal, Colorado, and Stanford. Unfortunately for the Beavers, their schedule isn’t exactly the easiest. They have games at Washington State, Utah, UCLA, at Arizona, Washington, and at Oregon. Their base should be six wins, but I can see them stealing a couple of those other six games and finishing the season at 8-4 overall.

I can see Oregon State finishing 9-3 and splitting those tough games, but 8-4 feels like the most likely scenario for this team.