The transfer portal is about to be rife with Beavers players. Who should the new coach prioritize keeping?
Plenty of roster churn is expected over the next several weeks for Oregon State football. Some of the Beavers’ best returning players could hit the transfer portal, seeking another opportunity elsewhere.
Keep up with every move with The Oregonian/OregonLive’s transfer portal tracker.
New head coach JaMarcus Shephard will have a chance in the coming days to convince current players to stick around. But who should be his biggest priorities from this year’s team?
Here is a shortlist, in no particular order:
Aiden Sullivan
LB | Redshirt junior | 6-1, 229 | Twentynine Palms, CA
Analysis: One could argue Sullivan was OSU’s most important defensive player in the 2025 season. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 72, trailing only senior safety Skyler Thomas with 78.
Sullivan plays with energy and intensity at the inside linebacker spot, and could be one of the leaders of next year’s defense if retained.
David Wells Jr.
WR | Redshirt sophomore | 6-0, 229 | Lakewood, WA
Analysis: Wells has a lot to answer for with the new coaching staff if he’s going to stick around in Corvallis. He was arrested for alleged DUII and reckless driving last month, and hasn’t been participating in team activities since. He did not make the trip to Pullman for the finale against Washington State.
If Shephard is willing to give Wells a second chance, and feels he has learned from a significant alleged mistake, he would be bringing back one of OSU’s most productive receivers this season. Despite poor quarterback play throughout the year, Wells amassed 44 catches for 466 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns.
Taz Reddicks
WR | Redshirt sophomore | 5-11, 194 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Analysis: Reddicks was banged up down the stretch of the season, but showcased his speed and big play ability before that. He had 30 catches for 391 yards this year, leading a group of five Beavers players who had 20 or more catches averaging 13 yards per reception.
Shephard is a wide receivers coach through and through. That position will be important to him. If he thinks Reddicks fits the bill of what he wants that group to look like going forward, this should be an easy conversation.
Dexter Foster
LB | Sophomore | 6-3, 236 | Portland, OR
Analysis: After a strong freshman season, Foster was highly productive for the Beavers in 2025 before injuries derailed his sophomore campaign. In just seven games, he still finished fourth on the team in tackles with 52.
Keeping a local guy who can anchor your linebacking corps alongside Sullivan should be a major priority as Shephard builds out his defense.
Tristan Ti’a
Analysis: Ti’a became a fan favorite and provided a glimmer of hope for the future after his dazzling performance against Tulsa. His first career start in the finale against Washington State was up and down and included plenty of growth moments, but the flashes of his evident arm talent and pocket presence were clearly there.
The quarterback position is likely going to change significantly for the Beavers this offseason. The one many fans are hoping sticks around is Ti’a.
Trey Glasper
CB | Freshman | 6-0, 171 | Las Vegas, NV
Analysis: Cornerback is a tough position to play, especially as a true freshman. You’re liable to get burned. A lot. Especially if your team can’t rush the passer consistently.
What the Beavers were able to get out of Glasper for much of the 2025 season should be enough to make him a clear part of the future for this secondary. He was tied with Sai Vadrawale III and Jalil Tucker for the team lead with five passes broken up.
Cornell Hatcher Jr.
RB | Redshirt freshman | 5-11, 214 | Corona, CA
Analysis: Hatcher was a bright spot for an OSU backfield that struggled mightily at times this season. Anthony Hankerson was the bell cow down the stretch, but before the Beavers decided to lean on the increasingly productive outgoing senior, it was Hatcher who seemed to run the ball most effectively.
Hatcher appeared in all 12 games for OSU this season, rushing for 292 yards on 5.6 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. He could be the lead back for OSU next year if Shephard doesn’t prioritize more experienced players signed in the portal.
Salahadin Allah
RB | Sophomore | 5-11, 222 | La Marque, TX
Analysis: Another playmaker beset by injury, Allah appeared in just six games for the Beavers this season. But his speed and athleticism were major assets when he was healthy, both in the backfield and on special teams.
It could be a crowded backfield depending on which players Shephard decides to bring in from outside, and whether OSU retains Hatcher or not. But Allah has the speed and increased muscle mass to be a lead back if he can stay on the field.
Takari Hickle
OLB | Redshirt junior | 6-3, 289 | Tenino, WA
Analysis: OSU couldn’t rush the passer to save its life this season. But an experienced player who came on when his number was called and delivered was Hickle. His speed off the ball and ability to cause havoc in the backfield make him one of the veterans worth keeping around for 2026.
Hickle has been a Beaver his entire collegiate career. Keeping those type of guys around for culture purposes is important for Shephard as well.
Jojo Johnson
DL | Redshirt sophomore | 6-2, 288 | Salt Lake City, UT
Analysis: The big-bodied Johnson emerged as a force along the defensive line at times, and developed as the 2025 season went along. He ended up leading the team in sacks with 2.5.
While that number doesn’t exactly jump off the page, Johnson ended up appearing in 11 total games for the Beavers and figures to be one of the key pieces of their defense next year, should Shephard decide to keep him on.
