Oregon State quarterback competition heats up ahead of Washington State

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  Sports and Competition on Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 by Oregonian

Oregon State’s Quarterback Battle Intensifies as the Beavers Prepare for Washington State

The 2025 Beavers season is shaping up to be a story of uncertainty and excitement on the offensive side of the ball, with a quarterback competition that could define the program’s trajectory for the next few years. Ahead of the upcoming showdown against Washington State, the coaching staff has begun to give more time to the two leading contenders—senior redshirt‑junior Ethan “EJ” Morgan and sophomore Mason “Moxie” Lee—in a battle that promises to capture the attention of fans, analysts, and the media alike.

The Players at the Center of the Contest

Ethan Morgan entered Oregon State in 2021 as a high‑profile transfer from Alabama, where he had been a backup to Heisman finalist Tua Tagovailoa. Over his three years with the Beavers, Morgan posted a career‑high 3,421 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, setting a new school record for most consecutive games with at least 200 yards passing. His playing style is marked by a calm demeanor, precise arm strength, and an ability to read defenses in real time. Coach Dan Lanning, who has championed a fast‑paced, no‑huddle offense, often cites Morgan’s poise as a key factor in keeping the offense dynamic even when the defense tries to pressure the quarterback.

Mason Lee is a true freshman who arrived on campus in 2025 after starring at high school in Salem. Lee, known for his athleticism and quick release, rushed for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season, earning the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Oregon. In the Beavers’ preseason training camp, Lee’s arm strength and mobility earned him an invitation to a showcase event hosted by the American Football Coaches Association, where he completed 18 of 24 passes for 320 yards and 4 touchdowns. Lee’s style is a blend of prototypical arm talent and a willingness to scramble, making him an intriguing contrast to Morgan’s more traditional pocket‑passing game.

The Coaching Staff’s Perspective

When asked about the quarterback situation, Lanning was candid. “We’ve got two talented quarterbacks who can both thrive in our offensive scheme,” he said. “The goal is to find a player who can sustain the high‑energy attack we built in the last three seasons and bring that to the next level. Both EJ and Mason have demonstrated that they can execute the system, but there are nuances—such as decision‑making and leadership—that we’re still assessing.”

During a recent practice, Lanning called a series of plays that showcased both quarterbacks in different roles. The Beavers’ offensive coordinator, Michael “Mike” Torres, ran a set of shotgun “no‑huddle” plays that allowed Morgan to display his composure under pressure, while Lee was given a more “read‑and‑react” run‑passing play designed to exploit his athleticism. “We’re not rushing the decision,” Torres said, “but we’re watching how each of them reacts in live‑game scenarios.”

The Competitive Edge

The Beavers’ offensive line has been a focal point of the quarterback debate. In the 2024 season, the line allowed 22 sacks, the second‑worst in the Pac‑12, raising concerns about protection and durability for the next quarterback. Coach Lanning has hired a veteran offensive line coach, Brian “Bubba” Smith, to focus on technique and agility drills. “If our line can protect the quarterback more consistently, we can give both Morgan and Lee the time they need to excel,” Smith told reporters.

Statistically, Morgan’s 2024 completion percentage of 63.8% and his 5.7 yards per attempt stand out. Lee’s preseason numbers, albeit from a smaller sample size, show a 68% completion rate and 6.1 yards per attempt, hinting at an ability to stretch the field. The coaching staff is also evaluating their rushing yardage—Morgan accumulated 180 rushing yards, while Lee posted 340—an indicator of how each can impact the game on the ground.

Game Preview: Oregon State vs. Washington State

The upcoming game against Washington State in Pullman marks a pivotal moment for the Beavers’ offensive identity. Washington State’s defense, ranked 12th nationally in pass defense last season, features a hybrid linebacker scheme that can collapse into a 4‑2 or 3‑3 blitz, potentially challenging both quarterbacks. The Beavers will have to decide how much risk to take with a less proven rookie like Lee versus a proven veteran like Morgan.

Washington State’s own quarterback situation is also in flux, with senior Tyler Hayes returning but having struggled with injuries in the previous season. The Beavers will have the chance to test their offensive line against a defense that could create opportunities for both passing and rushing plays.

Additional Context and Sources

1. Oregon State Roster Details – The Beavers’ official roster page lists all offensive players and their positions, providing deeper insight into the quarterback depth chart and the roles of other key contributors.
2. Washington State Game Preview – The Cougars’ preview article outlines their defensive strategies and how they plan to counter Oregon State’s offensive schemes.
3. Beavers’ Offensive Coordinator Mike Torres’ Interview – An in‑depth conversation with Torres sheds light on the offensive philosophy and how the coaching staff evaluates quarterback performance.

These linked resources offer a comprehensive view of the Beavers’ roster, coaching philosophy, and the competitive environment they face.

Looking Ahead

Whether the Beavers’ next quarterback is the polished veteran Morgan or the high‑flyer Lee, the decision will carry long‑term implications for the program. If Lanning opts for Morgan, the team may aim for immediate stability and a focus on maintaining the high‑tempo offense that has defined the last few seasons. Choosing Lee, on the other hand, could signal a strategic shift toward a more athletic, dual‑threat offense that could be more difficult for opposing defenses to contain.

As the season’s first game against Washington State approaches, the coaching staff’s evaluation continues to be guided by live‑game performance, adaptability, and the potential to sustain a high‑energy offense. Fans can expect a game that not only tests the Beavers’ ability to win against a tough opponent but also serves as a litmus test for the program’s future leadership at quarterback.