Atkinson Takes Over at Oregon State | Oregon State Beavers Football News

Oregon State Beavers Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 24, 2026 · 1m

Oregon State has named Braden Atkinson, a dynamic sophomore transfer from Mercer, as its new starting quarterback — beating out returning starter Maalik Murphy and Brady Jones. Atkinson’s standout FCS freshman season earned him the Jerry Rice Award, where he completed 66% of his passes for nearly 3,600 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. His football IQ, praised by OC Mitch Dahlen as “crazy” for his age, and his ability to talk like a coach, sealed the deal. With Murphy stepping into the backup role and Jones rounding out the QB room, Atkinson’s arrival signals a major offensive…