Tech’s Defense Holds Off Late Beavers Surge for 35-24 Road Win

A Decisive Second Half Secures the Victory

The Texas Tech Red Raiders improved their record to 2-0 with a hard-fought 35-24 victory over the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. The win came on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as Tech’s offense executed efficiently in the final period while the defense held firm against a determined Beavers squad that finished the game 0-2.

Scoring Breakdown and Key Moments

The first quarter ended scoreless as both teams felt out the conditions. Texas Tech took control in the second quarter, beginning with Thomas Castellanos’ 7-yard touchdown run, which gave the Red Raiders a 7-0 lead before Braden Atkinson connected with Jesse Legree on a 75-yard pass to tie the game at 7-7.

Cameron Dickey then added another touchdown with a 1-yard run, pushing Tech ahead 14-7 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Oregon State fight back. AJ Newberry threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Braden Legree, followed by a two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 14-13. Texas Tech responded immediately with J’Koby Williams breaking loose for a 38-yard run to restore the seven-point lead at 21-13.

However, the Beavers tied the game again late in the period when Atkinson threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Legree, who also ran the successful two-point conversion, making it 21-21.

Closing Out the Game

Oregon State briefly regained the lead in the fourth quarter when Caleb Ojeda kicked a 34-yard field goal, putting the Beavers ahead 24-21. But Texas Tech’s offense rallied to close out the game. Will Hammond threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Coy Eakin, giving Tech a 28-24 advantage.

Matt Ludwig then caught an 8-yard pass from Thomas Castellanos with a successful kick to extend the lead to 35-24, sealing the win for the Red Raiders.

Top Performers and Final Stats

Braden Atkinson led all passers with 413 yards on 31-of-51 passing, including two touchdowns and one interception. Jesse Legree was a standout receiver for Oregon State, hauling in eight catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Aaron Butler contributed 20 yards on one carry.

For Texas Tech, Will Hammond completed 20 of 27 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. J’Koby Williams was the workhorse of the offense, rushing 20 times for 116 yards and a touchdown. Coy Eakin caught six passes for 79 yards and a score. The game drew an attendance of 30,539 at Reser Stadium.

Sources

ESPN