Oregon State football position preview: Edge

at order to strengthen the edge position at the transfer portal, Oregon Statefootball added Walker Harris (Southern Utah) and Kai Wallin (Nebraska).

Compared to 2024, when they were among the worst in the country, including only seven total sacks, the Beavers must significantly improve their ability to rush the passer and contain the run. As the Beavers take on some formidable offensive lines in the opening weeks of the season, it will be interesting to see how Wallin and Harris fit in and how they and their returning colleagues boost total output.

They also have to contend with good quarterbacks. Trent Bray and company’s first aim must be to make those men uncomfortable and pile up sacks throughout the more advantageous parts of the 2025 schedule.

EDGE depth chart projection:

Zakaih Saez (R-So.), Shamar Meikle (So.), Walker Harris (Sr.), and EDGENikko Taylor (Sr.)

EDGETakari Hickle (R-Jr.), Andy Alfieri (Sr.), Nick Norris (R-Sr.), and Kai Wallin (R-Jr.)

Grade for position: B

Evaluation:

Both outside linebacker and around the Beavers’ defensive line’s edges, edge rushers offer a great deal of depth. Size is the first thing that comes to mind: Taylor and Wallin are both 6’5″ and little over 250 pounds, making them formidable opponents for tackles to contend with.

However, we won’t truly know the Beavers’ potential until we witness their size and depth on the field. Everyone put on a good performance in the spring game, even incoming freshman Bleu Dantzler, who may have been the defensive MVP with several sacks alone, but it was against an OSU offensive line that was severely injured.

Given that the Golden Bears tied for third-worst in the nation in sacks allowed per game (3.85), the opening game against California could offer a good opportunity to showcase the edge rushers’ development. However, Texas Tech and Oregon in particular will be important road tests.

Taylor set a goal in the offseason to concentrate on accumulating more sacks in 2025 after leading the Beavers with 2.5 previous season. At the very least, there should be more energy if Taylor and Wallin are paired with younger players who are advancing, like Meikle, Saez, and maybe even Dantzler. Additionally, six of the eight edge rushers we have ranked are in their fourth or fifth year of eligibility.

Additional previews for OSU positions:

RB, WR, TE, OL, DT, ILB, and CB

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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