The Beavers have plenty of size and talent but several unproven players at tight end.
With minimal production from the tight end position last season, the Oregon State Beavers added two transfers to bulk up the top of their depth chart.
Former Central Catholic star Riley Williams joins OSU by way of Miami, where he played two seasons for the Hurricanes. And Jackson Bowers enters the fold as well after transferring in from BYU.
Leading receiver out of the tight end spot Jermaine Terry has graduated. How will the newcomers compete with the Beavers’ returning tight ends, and could the arrival of Maalik Murphy at quarterback increase this group’s workload through the air?
Projected TE depth chart:
- Riley Williams (Jr.)
- Bryce Caufield (R-Sr.)
- Jackson Bowers (R-So.)
- Cooper Jensen (R-So.)
Position grade: B-
Analysis:
Williams figures to take on the leading role for the Beavers this season after making 21 appearances for coach Mario Cristobal at Miami. He totaled just 15 catches for 187 yards, but the 6-5 Williams was an imposing presence in the run blocking game — which will likely a key part of his job at OSU in front of Anthony Hankerson and company.
Caufield is the leading returner for OSU and most experienced tight end on the roster, having appeared in all 12 games last season. But he had just six catches for 90 yards and a score. And Bowers, while a standout in spring for the Beavers, appeared in just five total games for BYU across two seasons.
There is plenty of size and talent in this OSU tight ends group, but all are unproven as of yet — particularly as consistent receiving options. That could open the door for other players to break through, as the depth chart rounds out with two-way senior Andy Alfieri — primarily a linebacker now — along with redshirt senior Gabe Milbourn, redshirt freshman Carson Kolb, and incoming freshmen T’Andre Waverly and Cody Siegner.
With Murphy leading the charge, will offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson make more use of his tight ends in the passing game?
In the spring, Murphy’s decision-making in the short and intermediate was quick and efficient, so perhaps the security blanket of his big tight ends will find more use compared with his predecessors. Their size should be an asset in the red zone in particular, with teams likely keying in on Hankerson down by the goal line.
Other OSU position previews:
OSU early opponent previews:
— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon State Beavers for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at RClarke@Oregonian.com or on Twitter/X: @RyanTClarke. Find him on Bluesky: @ryantclarke.bsky.social.
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