Oregon State has been in a slump in recent years. Over the last 10 years, the Beavers have had only three winning seasons and seven losing seasons, with last year being one of their worst. However, the Beavers have added some offensive pieces that have helped tremendously. One of their biggest pieces is true freshman Jesse Legree.
Legree played his High School career at Loyola Blakefield before transferring to St. Frances Academy, a prominent high school based in Baltimore. Legree received seven offers as a junior, with the biggest coming from the Temple Owls. Legree had quick speed, but scouts were worried about his size, only standing at 5"10.
His senior year, however, he got an offer from Oregon State on Dec. 1st, committed, and signed two days later.
Oregon State entered the season listing Legree as wide receiver two; however, he has clearly become their top target. Legree leads the team in touchdowns scored, total receiving yards, and ranks third in average yards per catch.
In every game he has played, he has caught for more than 100 receiving yards, with his season high at 240 yards against ranked Texas Tech on Sep. 12.
As a true freshman, Legree is ranked No. 6 in the Heisman race, despite leading in multiple receiving categories. The Ohio State standout receiver, Jeremiah Smith, currently holds the top spot despite Legree passing Smith for the FBS lead with 12 receiving touchdowns so far this season.
With Legree getting so much attention, it will be interesting to see whether he decides to stay at Oregon State after this season. He can either stay at a program in the midst of a rebuild or join a university with a bigger brand. However, Oregon State's rebuild is already outpacing last season, with a 4-2 record and a No. 2 ranking in the Pac-12.
Former Alabama wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard was hired as Oregon State's 33rd head coach on Nov. 28, 2025, after the Beavers finished the 2025 season 2-10.
Shephard was an instrumental piece to Alabama's wide receiver room in his two seasons with the Crimson Tide; now, as a head coach and with a young elite talent in Legree, he is a credit to Shephard's keen eye for finding and retaining elite receivers.
Legree is a name people are hearing now, but expect soon to not just hear about him, but know him. Legree made history during the Beavers' 66-14 win over San Diego State on Oct. 10; he recorded his sixth straight game with 100 or more receiving yards, setting a new Oregon State record.
As Legree continues to build an outstanding freshman campaign, the Beavers are a team to watch for the rest of the season.
Oregon State's next matchup is against Washington State on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6 PM ET.