CORVALLIS, Ore. — In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, Everett Hayes drilled a 55-yard field goal with just 20 seconds remaining, leading Oregon State to a 41-38 victory over No. 25 Washington State on Saturday night. This win marked an end to the Beavers’ five-game losing streak and was seen as a de facto championship matchup for the Pac-12 this season.
Ben Gulbranson, who did not play in last week’s defeat against Air Force, showcased his skills by throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns. He was well-supported by Trent Walker Jr., who caught 12 passes totaling 136 yards.
The loss for Washington State was their second in a row, coming just a week after they fell 38-35 to New Mexico. This recent downfall effectively dashed their aspirations of securing an at-large bid in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff, a tournament in which they once ranked as high as No. 18.
The matchup carried significant importance, as both the Beavers and the Cougars are among the remaining teams in the Pac-12 following realignment last year. Although both teams had a scheduling arrangement with the Mountain West for this season, their performance does not impact the conference’s standings.
As the final quarter began, Oregon State led 31-24, but Cougars quarterback John Mateer quickly equalized the game with a 4-yard touchdown run. The game took a dramatic turn when Taariq Al-Uqdah intercepted a pass from Gulbranson and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, putting Washington State ahead.
The Beavers responded resiliently; their next possession concluded with a touchdown reception from Darrius Clemons, tying the game at 38 with 2:50 remaining. Oregon State regained possession after Exodus Ayers recovered a fumble by Kyle Williams, which was crucial in setting up their winning drive.
On a vital fourth-and-6 situation, Oregon State took a risk, and Hayes successfully kicked the decisive field goal. In total, Mateer threw for 250 yards with two touchdown passes, adding another 85 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns for the Cougars.
The scoring opened with Gabarri Johnson’s 15-yard rush for Oregon State. Washington State quickly responded through a 28-yard touchdown pass from Mateer to Carlos Hernandez. Dean Janikowski then kicked a 33-yard field goal for the Cougars in the second quarter to put them ahead.
Salahadin Allah restored the Beavers’ lead with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cougars took the advantage back with Mateer’s 3-yard keeper, though it was overshadowed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Oregon State ended the half leading 21-17, thanks to Gulbranson’s 1-yard dive for a touchdown just before halftime.
The Beavers extended their lead with a 46-yard field goal from Hayes after the break. Williams’ 57-yard touchdown reception from Mateer tied the score at 24, but Gulbranson quickly responded with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Terry II before the third quarter concluded.
Amid the Pac-12’s restructuring, Oregon State and Washington State have collaborated to help redefine the conference. Scheduled to join in 2026 are five teams from the Mountain West, including Boise State, while Gonzaga will join only for basketball, pending the addition of one more football team for NCAA recognition.
Both teams opted for independent schedules next season, with a unique arrangement to face each other twice—once in Corvallis and once in Pullman.
THE TAKEAWAY
*Washington State:* Mateer entered the match leading the nation with 26 passing touchdowns and set a school record for quarterbacks with 12 rushing touchdowns in a single season.
*Oregon State:* Gulbranson’s return was pivotal for the Beavers, and they continued to utilize Gabarri Johnson situationally, notably during their opening score.
UP NEXT
*Washington State* will host Wyoming next Saturday, while *Oregon State* prepares to visit Boise State on Friday.