JaMarcus Shephard Era Dawns for Oregon State with 2026 Pac-12 Schedule Release
The Oregon State football program enters a new chapter with the unveiling of its 2026 schedule, marking the official start of the JaMarcus Shephard era. The Beavers will kick off the season on Saturday, September 5th, with a road contest against Houston, initiating a revamped Pac-12 Conference landscape.
The 2026 season promises a blend of familiar rivals and new challenges for Oregon State. Reser Stadium will host six games, including matchups against San Diego State, Washington State, Texas State, and Utah State. This schedule reflects the Pac-12’s strategic vision for its relaunch, aiming for broad national exposure.
“We can’t wait to kick off the new era of Pac-12 football,” stated a Pac-12 representative. “Today’s schedule release is a major milestone on our path to launch, and the creativity behind our 2026 format reflects the strategic vision for what this conference will become. With national coverage across CBS Sports, USA Network and The CW, the new Pac-12 will debut on a national stage from day one.”
2026 Oregon State Football Schedule at a Glance
Here’s a complete look at the Beavers’ 2026 schedule:
- Sept. 5 – at Houston
- Sept. 12 – vs. Texas Tech
- Sept. 19 – vs. Montana
- Sept. 26 – at UTEP
- Oct. 3 – at Colorado State
- Oct. 10 – vs. San Diego State
- Oct. 17 – vs. Washington State
- Oct. 24 – BYE
- Oct. 31 – at Fresno State
- Nov. 7 – vs. Texas State
- Nov. 14 – at Boise State
- Nov. 21 – vs. Utah State
- Nov. 28 – FLEX (road game)
- Dec. 4 – Pac-12 Championship Game (Friday)
Pac-12 Structure for 2026
The 2026 Pac-12 season will feature a unique structure. The first four weeks will be dedicated to non-conference games, followed by a seven-game round-robin for conference play, with a single bye week incorporated between October 3rd and November 21st.
Adding an element of intrigue, the regular season will conclude with a “flex” matchup in Week 13 (November 28th). This game, while considered non-conference for standings purposes, allows the Pac-12 to adjust pairings based on playoff implications and league interests. Projected matchups for this final week include Boise State at Utah State, Texas State at Colorado State, San Diego State at Fresno State, and Oregon State at Washington State – though these are subject to change.
Championship Game Details
The inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game of the new era will be held on Friday, December 4th, at the home stadium of the highest-seeded team. The game will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, leveraging the conference’s new media partnerships with CBS Sports, USA Network, and The CW. The matchup will be determined following the conclusion of Week 12 (November 21st), providing a two-week lead-up to the championship contest.
Stay Connected with Oregon State Football
Fans seeking further information on Oregon State football can connect with the team on social media: Twitter.com/BeaverFootball, Facebook.com/BeaverFootball, and Instagram.com/BeaverFootball. Season ticket inquiries can be directed to the ticket office at 541-737-2050, with representatives available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment for Oregon State football and the reimagined Pac-12 Conference, promising an exciting new era for both.
