Oregon State loses team captain, leading linebacker to transfer portal
Oregon State linebacker Omar Speights has entered the transfer portal, according to a report on Thursday by 247Sports’ Chris Hummer.
Speights was the Beavers’ leading tackler in 2022, earning a first-team All-Pac-12 selection for his efforts. He was a two-time honorable mention on the all-conference team, as well as an Oregon State captain during this most recent season. He was one of the most experienced linebackers in the conference, and will be a significant loss for the Beavers.
The 6-foot-1, 233-pound inside ‘backer will have two years to play one at his next stop.
Oregon State all-conference LB Omar Speights (@omarspeights) has entered the transfer portal, @247SportsPortal has learned. Speights has posted 304 tackles, 25 TFLs and 3 INTs in his career. https://t.co/ZN7yKsDNNF
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 13, 2023
Speights played right away as a freshman in 2019, even starting six times after playing his high school ball at Crescent Valley. With appearances in 45 games over the last four years, Speights leaves Corvallis having tallied 308 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries.
The Beavers landed former Utah linebacker Mason Tufaga from the transfer portal earlier this week. He’s a former 4-star recruit who could play an even bigger role in the linebacker rotation now that Speights is moving on. The Beavs will also have Easton Mascarenas, John Miller, Michael Erhart, Melvin Jordan, Kord Shaw, and incoming freshman Isaiah Chisom to vie for snaps