Oregon State loses pair of starting defenders to NCAA transfer portal

Oregon State has lost a pair of defenders to the transfer portal.

Akili Arnold and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold are the 2 players – and brothers – in question, both of whom started for the Beavers this past regular season. Mascarenas-Arnold was Oregon State’s leading tackler this season while Arnold earned the top coverage grade of any CB in 2023.

Oregon State Safety Akili Arnold has entered the transfer portal, per @On3sports

Arnold earned an elite 85.7 Coverage Grade last season👀 pic.twitter.com/ybHqJHo23g

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 7, 2023

Oregon State LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, the team’s leading tackler, is officially in the portal.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 7, 2023

Arnold finished the season with 62 tackles, nearly doubling his previous high of 33 in one season. He also had 6 pass deflections, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. The 5th-year senior will have just 1 season of eligibility remaining.

Mascarenas-Arnold had good seasons in 2021 and 2022 with the Beavers before detonating in 2023. He finished the year with 107 total tackles (49 solo), 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. Like his brother, Mascarenas-Arnold will have 1 season of eligibility remaining.