Oregon State football position preview: Cornerback

A balanced blend of youth and experience accentuates an Oregon State cornerbacks team looking to advance in 2025.

In terms of passing yards allowed per game, the Beavers finished a respectable 55th in the nation the previous season. However, when you add in the statistical advantage of playing a number of run-heavy opponents and the fact that OSU gave up 8.1 yards per pass attempt, it’s safe to assume that this defense was prone to giving up chunk plays through the air.

Even the more seasoned corners are either recovering from injuries or played sparingly the previous season, and Exodus Ayers is anticipated to take the role following a solid rookie campaign. Predictions are really challenging since one of the main uncertainties going into fall camp is who will stand with Ayers after emerging from that group.

CB depth chart projection:

Grade for position: B-

Evaluation:

In the 2025 season, Ayers, who is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, displayed flashes of brilliance. Of his 21 total tackles, 18 occurred in three games against Washington State, Boise State, and California.

Finding consistency will still be crucial if Ayers leads the Beaver corners, even though statistics don’t often tell the whole picture in a lockdown corner, particularly when the opposition team isn’t throwing at you.

Although Vickers and Thomas are both recuperating from injuries, their inclusion in the starting lineup should rely on their health. The elder statesman, Singleton, transferred from Liberty and played in just four games the previous season.

Vadrawale, who, like other players on the roster, is looking to build on unexpected opportunities due to injuries last season, filled in for Thomas last season. In 2024, the nickel corner recorded 30 tackles and one interception. It’s obvious that there is promise.

After a lengthy journey that started at Oregon (with former Ducks and current Beavers assistant Rod Chance) and featured a stop in Juco at San Diego Mesa College, Tucker finally joins the team. This past offseason, he was ranked as the eighth-best junior college prospect.

In search of more consistent opportunities with the Beavers, Crandall, a wild card, is currently at his third collegiate stop after Colorado State and West Virginia.

The OSU corners will have excellent safeties to rely on in the defensive backfield, regardless of who sees the field. But whether the Beavers’ pass defense is porous against some of the top quarterbacks they will face will probably depend on the cornerback’s health and discipline.

Additional previews for OSU positions:

QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DT, Edge, ILB, S

Early previews of OSU’s opponents:

First game: California

Second Game: Fresno State

Texas Tech in Game 3

Houston in Game 5

Appalachian State in Game 6

Wake Forest in Game 7

Lafayette in Game 8

Washington State in Games 9/12

Sam Houston State in Game 10

Tulsa in Game 11

–For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon State Beavers. You may contact him on Twitter at X:@RyanTClarke or by email at RClarke@Oregonian.com. His Bluesky handle is @ryantclarke.bsky.social.

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