Oregon State is wasting no time making moves in 2026. With the transfer portal officially open, new head coach Trent Shephard and his staff are already putting their stamp on the program-and they just landed a big one. Former Alabama wide receiver Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton has committed to the Beavers.
Hampton isn’t just another name in the portal. He’s a dynamic, four-star athlete who brings speed, versatility, and SEC-level experience to Corvallis.
Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 194 pounds, Hampton was a standout at Daingerfield High School in Texas, graduating in 2024. He earned serious accolades coming out of high school-ranked as the No. 5 athlete and No. 26 overall recruit in Texas by Rivals, and No. 153 nationally in the Rivals Top 250.
That’s elite company.
After spending a year in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide, Hampton is looking for a fresh start-and Oregon State is offering him just that. For the Beavers, this is more than just adding a talented wideout; it’s a statement. Under Shephard’s leadership, Oregon State is signaling that it plans to compete in the new era of college football, and they’re not afraid to go after top-tier talent to do it.
Hampton’s commitment comes during a busy stretch for the Beavers, who’ve been active in hosting official visits since the portal window opened on January 2. That window closes on January 16, and Oregon State is clearly making the most of it.
This isn’t just a win on the recruiting trail-it’s a sign that the Beavers are building something. Hampton brings playmaking ability and a competitive edge that could make an immediate impact in the Pac-12 (or whatever the conference landscape looks like by fall). For a program in transition, this is exactly the kind of spark that can set the tone for a new chapter.
Keep an eye on Oregon State. If this is how they’re starting the year, they’re not just rebuilding-they’re reloading.