The craziness in OSU sports is far from over
New football coach, arrested star, frozen lawsuit—all in one week, and more
When folks heard about the abrupt resignation of Oregon State football coach Jonathan Smith the day after being thumped by the Ducks in Eugene—you would think that would be enough.
But you would be wrong.
OSU Athletic Officials moved with lightning speed—selecting Beavs wide receiver coach/Passing offensive coordinator Kefense Hynson as interim head coach. Hynson—who has served as an assistant for 19 years, was a three-time all-conference defensive back for Willamette University in Salem—while also receiving Freshman of the Year honors for the Bearcats in 1999.
Before Hynson could even move into his new office, the OSU athletic staff directed by AD Scott Barnes worked furiously over the next day and announced the permanent replacement for Smith in defensive coordinator Trent Bray—a man credited with turning the Beavers into a force defensively in the Pac 12. He becomes the 32nd head coach in OSU football history.
Bray is quite popular with many of the players—and has a pedigree similar to the now-departed Smith. A great linebacker for the Beavers from 2002-05, Bray—who wore #44 in his four seasons—is described by ex-coach Dennis Erickson as one of greatest football minds he has known both as a player and a coach. Bray is a man who demands much from his team—and showed that same determination for the Beavers with a long list of honors, including first team all-conference his senior season. He also has an impressive coaching resume’, with two stints at Oregon State, along with stops at Nebraska and Arizona State—where he was a driving force behind defensive unit development at both schools.
Bray is the man at the helm for the upcoming bowl game for the 8-4 Beavers—where ever that might be. But the Beavers will have to figure out who is going to play in the game.
Some OSU familiar players are gone—headed for greener pastures or bigger stadiums.
First, Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is headed for the transfer portal after just one season with the Beavers, developing well in the run-heavy Beaver offense.
Uiagalelei wrapped up the season seventh in the Pac 12, averaging 219 yards passing a game. He completed 57.1 % of his throws for 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns against seven interceptions. This is the second trip to the portal for DJ, who came to Oregon State after three years playing at Clemson, where he lost his starting job to current Tiger starter Cade Klubnik. Of note: Michigan State, where Jonathan Smith went, is losing all three of its active quarterbacks to the portal, and will be in need of a signal caller.
Several college sporting websites indicate that Smith is looking to lure several high profile players from Corvallis to Michigan State through the upcoming portal. They include freshman QB Aidan Chiles, sophomore TE Jack Velling, and junior linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. All got some playing time last season, and Coach Smith tried to provide a series of signal calling for Chiles for all the contests except the Duck game in Eugene. Will those players all follow their coach, or continue to play for Oregon State? Good question.
Another player is looking to make an NFL roster, following in the footsteps of OSU tight end and Sprague High graduate Teagan Quitoriano—into this April’s Draft. Beaver wide out and kick returner—and West Salem High graduate Anthony Gould—posted his decision on X (formerly known as Twitter) with thanks to his family, the coaching staff, and Oregon State fans:
“I want to thank Beaver Nation. I appreciate all the endless love and support during my four years in Corvallis. You have always shown love no matter what! To the Oregon State staff, thank you for taking a chance on an undersized kid who many doubted. You gave me an opportunity to change my life and I am forever grateful.”
—Anthony Gould
No word (yet) on scouting reports and draft rankings for the 5-8, 175 pound Gould but he had a career to be proud of at OSU. Anthony tallied 84 receptions, 1,360 yards, and six receiving scores, while also adding a rushing score and 83 yards rushing in his six years in Corvallis. He also earned national honors for his kick returning exploits. He returned 25 kicks for 415 yards (16.6) and two touchdowns.
One Beaver player staying, but not playing in the upcoming bowl game is standout sophomore running back Damien Martinez. The 6-0, 230 pound sophomore was arrested Wednesday on DUI charges, after running a red light in Corvallis. When police approached the vehicle, they smelled a strong odor of freshly burned marijuana.
Martinez was issued citations for driving under the influence, reckless driving and reckless endangerment and was also cited for being a minor in possession of marijuana. Investigation into the case is continuing. Martinez, a first team all-conference player last season as a freshman, led OSU’s running attack this year with 1,185 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
As if that weren’t enough, Oregon State and its fellow-league orphan, Washington State, received a legal blow in the two school’s combined efforts to take control of power in the soon-to-be dissolved Pacific 12 Conference.
The Washington Supreme Court stayed—put on hold—a lower court’s ruling from earlier in the month that would have given control of the Pac-12 to Oregon State and Washington State, keeping in place a temporary restraining order that requires the conference to act with complete unity in all matters.
That ruling was not completely unexpected.
The University of Washington had filed for the stay on behalf of the nine other members also leaving the Pac-12 at the conclusion of sports this spring/summer.
The Supreme Court Commissioner making the ruling—Michael Johnston—himself an undergrad from UW in 1984—said the stay should be upheld due to confusion concerning the conference by-laws. Motions for review of lower court ruling were due today. More court proceedings are scheduled in December.
Stay tuned. I know I will.
Dedicated to the late Pete Martini—he would have hated the Beav’s situation, but would love the insane chaos of this once-in-a generation state of affairs. Thanks to several of you attempting to help me piece together this insane week.
Mark, Good read. Thank you.