Oregon State University is reshaping its football operations for the 2026 season by emphasizing quality control and graduate assistance, positions that have become pivotal in modern college programs. These roles blend analytical work, player development, and on‑field support, allowing the Beavers to deepen their strategic depth while integrating fresh perspectives from recent alumni and seasoned mentors.
Quality Control Coaches
Zach McBride joins the staff as offensive quality control coach after stints at Colfax High School, Western New Mexico University, Eastern Washington, and Franklin Pierce. His extensive coaching background equips him to dissect offensive schemes and support the Beavers' play‑calling staff. Defensive quality control coach Ian Crocker, a former standout at Simon Fraser University and Portland State, brings a defensive mindset honed on the Canadian college circuit. George Frazier, another defensive quality control coach, combines playing and coaching experience at Colorado with professional ties to Ole Miss and Memphis, adding a breadth of knowledge that spans multiple football cultures.
Graduate Assistants and Alumni
Ben Larson, the special teams quality control coach, has refined his craft across Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech, and UCF, giving him a versatile toolkit for handling kick‑and‑punt units. Jon Maricic, an offensive graduate assistant, played at UC Davis before coaching at the College of Idaho and Black Hills State, bringing a quarterback’s perspective to the offensive meeting rooms. DeAndre "Dre" Farris, another offensive graduate assistant, starred at Western Kentucky and later coached at Georgia Southern, offering a blend of Southern recruiting insight and hands‑on player development. Both Nick Pickett and Semisi Saluni serve as defensive graduate assistants; Pickett, who previously played at Oregon, maintains strong connections with Oregon State’s linebackers coach Cort Dennison and offensive line coach Kirk Barron, while Saluni, a former Beavers stalwart from 2021‑24, accumulated 51 tackles in 51 games and now returns to contribute to the defense he once helped anchor.
Looking Ahead
The infusion of talent from varied geographic and institutional backgrounds reflects Oregon State’s strategic aim to blend continuity with innovation. By leveraging the expertise of coaches like McBride, Crocker, and Frazier alongside the fresh energy of graduate assistants such as Larson, Maricic, Farris, Pickett, and Saluni, the program hopes to sharpen its competitive edge in the Pac‑12 landscape. The staff’s diverse educational roots — spanning institutions from the University of Washington to the University of Central Florida — underscore a commitment to holistic player development and strategic adaptability as the 2026 season approaches.