Braden Atkinson, a former standout from the FCS league, has been named the starting quarterback for Oregon State. This decision comes after an intense competition involving the previous starter, Maalik Murphy, and another transfer athlete, Brady Jones. Atkinson's appointment was officially announced on Monday, concluding a significant period of evaluation.
The Oregon State Beavers have selected Braden Atkinson as their primary signal-caller, a move that signals a new era for the team's offense. Atkinson's impressive track record at Mercer, where he distinguished himself as a top-tier freshman, played a crucial role in his selection. His ability to consistently deliver strong performances, including setting multiple school records, demonstrates his potential to lead the Beavers effectively.
Atkinson's Journey to Starting Quarterback
Braden Atkinson's path to becoming Oregon State's starting quarterback was marked by an exceptional freshman season at Mercer. His performance there earned him the prestigious Jerry Rice Award, recognizing him as the top freshman player in the FCS division. During his tenure, Atkinson showcased remarkable talent, completing 66% of his passes and establishing new single-season school records with an impressive 3,596 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. Despite throwing 11 interceptions, his overall impact was undeniable, highlighted by a single-game record of 533 passing yards against VMI. He also achieved a notable fifth-place finish in the balloting for the Walter Payton Award, an honor celebrating the best offensive player in the FCS.
Atkinson's arrival at Oregon State brought considerable anticipation, and he quickly proved his mettle in a competitive quarterback battle. His successful collegiate career at Mercer provided a strong foundation, demonstrating his capability to thrive under pressure and produce big plays. The decision to name him the starter underscores the coaching staff's confidence in his leadership and skill set. The Beavers are looking to leverage Atkinson's proven ability to generate significant offensive output, hoping to build on his past achievements as they prepare for the upcoming season. His transition from FCS to a prominent role in the Pac-12 will be closely watched, as he aims to replicate his record-breaking performances at a higher level of competition.
The Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook
The competition for Oregon State's starting quarterback position was fierce, involving experienced contenders like Maalik Murphy and Brady Jones. Murphy, who previously played for Texas and Duke, brought significant experience, having passed for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2024 as Duke's starter. His collegiate career totals include 5,215 yards and 38 touchdowns against 23 interceptions. Last season for Oregon State, he completed 58.1% of his throws for 1,805 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 10 appearances, where the team finished with a 2-8 record. Jones, a transfer from Western Michigan, also contributed to the competitive environment, though with more limited playing time.
With Atkinson now at the helm, Oregon State is poised to enter a new chapter under head coach JaMarcus Shephard, formerly Alabama's co-offensive coordinator. The team, now part of a reconfigured Pac-12, faces a challenging schedule, beginning their season on September 5th with a nonconference game against No. 23 Houston. The decision to select Atkinson as the starter reflects a strategic choice to invest in a player who has shown exceptional promise and proven performance in his previous collegiate career. His leadership will be critical as the Beavers navigate their new conference landscape and strive for success, with the team hoping his dynamic playmaking ability will spark their offensive efforts and lead them to a winning season.
