California (0-0) vs Oregon State (0-0)
August 30, 2025 at 10:30 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Oregon State -2.5 — Over/Under: +50.5
The California Golden Bears and Oregon State Beavers meet Saturday in college football action at Reser Stadium. Here’s a California vs Oregon State Prediction. This article will include a California vs Oregon State Pick.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
The California Golden Bears won six games last year and enter year nine under coach Justin Wilcox. Cal has won six or fewer games in each of the last five years.
Cal has a new offensive coordinator in Bryan Harsin, and he’ll have a quarterback battle of Devin Brown and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Cal lost a lot of offensive production, as it says goodbye to its top-two rushers and receivers. Trond Grizzell is coming off a season where he had 27 receptions. The Cal offensive line should be better with Tyson Ruffins coming from Nevada and LaJuan Owens transferring from New Mexico. Still, there are a lot of question marks with this offense given the inexperience.
Cal was solid defensively, but there are new voices with coordinators Vic So’oto and Terrence Brown taking over. Cade Uluave returns after 71 tackles and 0.5 sacks, while Aidan Keanaaina had 44 tackles and 1 sack. Nate Burrell had 29 tackles and 1 interception, while Cam Sidney had 29 tackles and 3 pass deflections. FIU transfer Hezekiah Masses will lead a secondary and brings 2 interceptions and 12 pass deflections. There’s talent on this Cal roster, but how quickly the offense comes along will decide if it can top six wins.
Oregon State Beavers Betting Preview
The Oregon State Beavers won five games last season and enter the second year under coach Trent Bray. Oregon State has won five or fewer games in eight of its last 11 years.
Duke transfer Maalik Murphy will take over at quarterback after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Anthony Hankerson is back after topping 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons is a receiving duo that combined for 1,000 yards and four touchdowns. Riley Williams transfers from Miami and Jackson Bowers comes over from BYU. Oregon State has questions along the offensive line, but the offense is stacked with playmakers and makes the Beavers worth watching.
Defensively, Rod Chance will call the shots for the first time. Skyler Thomas returns after 81 tackles and 1 interception, while Nikko Taylor had 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Dexter Foster had 43 tackles and 1 sack, while Tyrice Ivy Jr. had 35 tackles and 1 pass deflection. USC transfer Raesjon Davis brings experience and leadership to the linebacker group.
Overall, Oregon State has potential to make a run this season given the returning production on both sides of the ball and a proven quarterback. If the offensive line comes together, Oregon State will be a team to watch.
Why the Oregon State Beavers will win
- California has lost each of its last five games in Oregon.
- Oregon State has won each of its last four home openers.
- California has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against teams from Oregon.
- Oregon State has covered the spread in four of its last five games as a favorite against teams from California.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- Oregon State has lost each of its last three games as a favorite.
- California has won four of its last six road openers as an underdog.
- California has covered the spread in eight of its last nine road openers.
- Oregon State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Oregon State Beavers Player Prop Facts
- Trent Walker led the Pac-12 Conference for receptions (81) last season.
California Golden Bears Player Prop Facts
- Jacob De Jesus led UNLV for yards per reception (14.2) last season.
California vs Oregon State Prediction
Cal has some questions on the offensive side, and usually it’s tough to figure those things out on the road in a hostile environment. Oregon State has less to figure out on both sides of the ball and is led by a quarterback who can accomplish big things this season with the surrounding talent. If the Beavers can settle in with the offensive line, this is a team that can make a push for an above average season. I like the direction Oregon State is heading. We’re not being asked to lay much. Give me Oregon State and the small chalk.