Oregon State Keeps Its Star QB-WR Duo Amid $48M Fundraising Push
An Alabama-style front office and a $24M gift have fueled OSU’s turnaround.
Oregon State's football team has seen remarkable success this season, largely due to its dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo. Sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson leads the nation in passing yards with 3,169, while freshman receiver Jesse Legree is fourth in touchdown passes with 25. Legree leads the country in receiving yards with 1,209 and touchdown receptions with 14.
The Beavers, currently at 5–4, have more than doubled their wins from the previous season and are one game away from bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023. Oregon State will face No. 24 Boise State, the highest-ranked Group of 6 team in the College Football Playoff rankings, in their next game. The Beavers' resurgence is largely attributed to a $48 million fundraising effort, with a $24 million initial donation from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation.
Oregon State matched the initial donation and is now aiming to raise an additional $8 million annually from other donors to match the Valley Foundation's commitment. The significant investment has already surpassed $10 million in six months and is on track to reach $12 million by the end of the year. Coach JaMarcus Shephard emphasized the positive impact of the re-signings of Atkinson and Legree, stating that it reassured potential donors about the team's commitment to retaining its top talent.
The Beavers now have the highest-ranked 2027 recruiting class in the Pac-12 according to 247Sports and Rivals.
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