Oregon State continues to build out its 2026 roster, and on Wednesday, the Beavers made a few key additions on the defensive side of the ball - adding size, athleticism, and upside to a unit that’s clearly being reshaped with intent.
Headlining the group is Xander Chisolm, a rangy 6-foot-3, 185-pound safety out of Fullerton College. Chisolm brings a physical presence to the back end of the defense, and he’s coming off a season where he posted 40 tackles and an interception.
That kind of production, paired with his length and versatility, made him a sought-after transfer. He chose Oregon State over West Virginia and arrives in Corvallis with three years of eligibility remaining - a significant asset for a program looking to reload, not just patch holes.
Chisolm’s path to OSU has been anything but linear. He started his college career at Sacramento State in 2023, where he redshirted while logging one tackle in five games.
His 2024 season was limited to just two games and two tackles before injury sidelined him. But if he’s healthy, Chisolm projects as a potential impact player in the secondary - someone who can cover ground, match up with bigger receivers, and bring downhill pop in the run game.
Joining Chisolm on the defensive side is Adrian Onyiego, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound edge rusher who brings raw potential and a high ceiling. Onyiego originally signed with Wyoming as a three-star prospect in the 2024 class but didn’t see the field as a freshman.
He transferred to Navarro College, where he also didn’t get game reps, but the Beavers clearly see something in his frame and athletic profile. At that size, with the right development, Onyiego could grow into a disruptive force off the edge - especially in a system that knows how to maximize hybrid pass rushers.
Oregon State also made a few moves on offense official, announcing the signings of three more transfers: former Vanderbilt running back AJ Newberry, Washington State running back signee Tre Garrison, and former Arizona offensive line commit Michael Langi. Each brings something different to the table - Newberry offers SEC-level experience, Garrison is a young back with upside, and Langi adds depth and size to the trenches.
Taken together, these additions reflect a broader theme for Oregon State this offseason: identifying undervalued talent and building a roster with long-term potential. There’s a clear emphasis on physical traits, positional versatility, and players who still have multiple years of eligibility left. It’s a strategy that could pay dividends as the Beavers look to stay competitive and continue evolving in a rapidly shifting college football landscape.