A Hard-Fought Effort Falls Short
The Oregon State Beavers traveled to TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, hoping to secure their first win of the season. Despite a resilient offensive showing from quarterback Braden Atkinson and wide receiver Jesse Legree, the Beavers ultimately fell short, losing to the host Houston Cougars with a final score of 33-20.
The defeat leaves Oregon State at 0-1 on the year, while the Cougars improve to 1-0.
First Half: Houston Builds Early Lead
Houston took control early in the first quarter, capitalizing on offensive efficiency to establish an advantage that Oregon State struggled to erase. Amare Thomas opened the scoring for the Cougars with a 31-yard touchdown reception from Conner Weigman, though the subsequent extra point attempt by Jonathan Dimas failed, making the score 6-7 in favor of Houston.
Oregon State responded quickly as Braden Atkinson connected with a rushing touchdown of his own. Atkinson’s 3-yard run, followed by a successful kick from Caleb Ojeda, gave the Beavers their first lead at 14-9. However, Houston reclaimed momentum before halftime.
Re’Shaun Sanford II broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown run, extending the Cougars' lead to 21-7. Jonathan Dimas added two field goals in the half—a 42-yarder in the first quarter and a 32-yarder in the second—capping Houston’s first-half performance with a 19-7 advantage heading into the locker room.
Second Half: Struggles Define Oregon State’s Day
The third quarter saw Houston extend its lead further as Makhi Hughes contributed on the ground. Hughes rushed for a touchdown, pushing the score to 26-7. The Beavers attempted to rally in the second half, with Atkinson throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Legree. However, a failed two-point conversion attempt left the deficit significant at 26-13.
Oregon State managed one more scoring drive in the fourth quarter when AJ Newberry scored on a 4-yard run, bringing the final margin to 20-26. The Cougars sealed the victory with a late touchdown run by Conner Weigman from the one-yard line, capped by Dimas’s kick, resulting in the final score of 33-20.
Statistical Standouts
Conner Weigman was pivotal for Houston, completing 20 of 30 passes for 305 yards and one touchdown, while also adding a rushing touchdown. Amare Thomas led the receiving corps with eight catches for 133 yards and a score. Makhi Hughes provided balance on the ground with 17 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown.
For Oregon State, Braden Atkinson threw for 376 yards and one touchdown but also struggled with efficiency, completing 29 of 48 passes. Jesse Legree was the primary target, hauling in five passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Beavers’ rushing attack was limited, with Kourdey Glass leading the ground game with six carries for 25 yards.
The loss marks the beginning of the season for Oregon State, while Houston starts strong at home.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401856778
