Oregon State Faces Roster Shakeup as Riley Williams Enters Transfer Portal

Oregon State’s new era under head coach JaMarcus Shepard began with a notable roster setback: junior tight end Riley Williams has entered the transfer portal. The move is the first player departure since Shepard took the reins of the Beavers’ program, raising questions about the team’s stability and future direction.

Williams, who is reportedly open to returning, has struggled with injuries this season, appearing in just two games. Despite limited action, he remains one of the team’s most promising offensive talents and has two seasons of eligibility remaining, making his decision particularly significant for Shepard’s rebuilding efforts.

A Portland native, Williams played at Central Catholic before finishing high school at IMG Academy. He spent two seasons at Miami under former Oregon coach Mario Cristobal, recording 15 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown, before transferring to Oregon State last winter. Williams won a starting role but suffered a torn labrum in just the second game of the season against Fresno State, later delayed by an emergency appendectomy.

The timing of Williams’ portal entry coincides with Oregon State’s broader transition under Shepard, as the program seeks stability after a 2-9 season and a coaching change. The Beavers now face the dual challenge of retaining talent while establishing a new identity under a nationally respected coach.

1. Riley Williams’ Impact and Injury History

Williams was considered a key piece of Oregon State’s offensive plans before injuries limited his availability. His versatility as a tight end and ability to create mismatches made him an important target in Shepard’s system. The torn labrum suffered early in the season and the subsequent appendectomy created a difficult recovery path, limiting Williams’ ability to contribute immediately. These setbacks likely influenced his decision to explore transfer opportunities while keeping the option to return open. His high school pedigree, which includes stints at Central Catholic and IMG Academy, as well as his experience at Miami, gave him a foundation to compete at a high level in the Pac-12. Coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic and potential impact. Despite limited playing time, Williams’ departure serves as a signal that Oregon State must carefully manage roster stability, particularly for players with two or more years of eligibility remaining.

2. JaMarcus Shepard’s Arrival and Challenges

Shepard was named Oregon State’s head coach following the firing of Trent Bray, who was dismissed after an 0-7 start. Interim coach Robb Akey guided the team to a 2-2 finish, but the program still faced uncertainty and roster attrition. Shepard, who signed a five-year deal, arrives from Alabama, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach under Kalen DeBoer. His resume includes stops at Washington, Purdue, and Washington State, and he has earned a reputation for developing elite playmakers. The challenge for Shepard is twofold: instill a clear program identity and retain the remaining foundational players who can anchor the roster. Maintaining continuity amid transfers will be critical for the Beavers’ competitiveness in the coming seasons. Williams’ decision to enter the portal illustrates the delicate balance Shepard must strike as he seeks to rebuild a program that has lost 15 players from last year’s roster to transfers.

3. The Road Ahead for Oregon State

Oregon State faces a steep climb as it tries to stabilize the roster and establish momentum under Shepard. Retaining talent like Williams, or convincing him to return, would provide a crucial boost to a program in transition. The Beavers must also continue recruiting and developing new players to offset the departures and injuries that have disrupted continuity. Shepard’s experience in cultivating talent at multiple programs could help mitigate these challenges. Player morale and confidence will be key factors, as the coaching staff works to ensure that remaining athletes feel invested in the program’s vision and trajectory. Leadership and communication will be central to retaining core contributors. Ultimately, the combination of injuries, transfers, and a coaching change underscores the complexity of rebuilding Oregon State’s football program. Williams’ portal entry is just the first of what may be a series of roster decisions shaping the team’s short-term and long-term prospects.