Houston and Oregon State have had contrasting starts to the 2025 college football season, with both campaigns appearing to go in different directions. On Friday, the unbeaten Cougars are looking to pile on the misery for the winless Beavers to add more pressure on Beavers HC Trent Bray.
Our Houston-Oregon State prediction features exclusive PFSN player and team grades, advanced analytical insights, and our data-driven score forecast for Friday’s exciting nonconference matchup.
Houston vs. Oregon State Details
- Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Game time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Reser Stadium | Corvallis, Ore.
- Predicted weather at kick: 69°, mostly cloudy, 9 mph winds
- How to watch: ESPN
Houston vs. Oregon State Head-to-Head Record
Houston and Oregon State have played three games in their histories, with the Cougars winning two and the Beavers winning one. However, the most recent matchup was in 1970, so we can’t read too much into the latest score.
The 1970 contest was a thriller. Houston’s Frank Ditta blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown, and the Cougars eventually prevailed 19-16 in a defensive struggle. Oregon State’s lone victory came in 1960 — a 29-20 battle in Portland.
Houston vs. Oregon State Grades
PFSN College OFFi
- Houston (78.93, C+)
- Oregon State (70.27, C-)
PFSN College DEFi
- Houston (91.3, A-)
- Oregon State (66.8, D)
PFSN College OLi
- Houston (77.49, C+)
- Oregon State (68.4, D+)
PFSN College QBi
- Conner Weigman, Houston (83.1, B)
- Maalik Murphy, Oregon State (77.3, C+)
PFSN College RBi
- Dean Connors, Houston (66.89, D)
- Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State (70.61, C-)
PFSN College WRi
- Houston (N/A)
- Taz Reddicks, Oregon State (76.86, C)
PFSN College TEi
- Tanner Koziol, Houston (87.39, B+)
- Bryce Caufield, Oregon State (74.41, C)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Brandon Mack II, Houston (74.72, C)
- Nikko Taylor, Oregon State (75.62, C)
PFSN College DTi
- Khalil Laufau, Houston (86.35, B)
- Thomas Collins, Oregon State (77.7, C+)
PFSN College LBi
- Jalen Garner, Houston (72.16, C-)
- Dexter Foster, Oregon State (68.11, D+)
PFSN College CBi
- Will James, Houston (92.25, A-)
- Sailasa Vadrawale III, Oregon State (72.49, C-)
PFSN College SAFi
- Kentrell Webb, Houston (82.02, B-)
- Skyler Thomas, Oregon State (82.19, B)
Houston vs. Oregon State Prediction
Oregon State is a massive underdog at home as Houston travels into Corvallis as 13.5-point favorites. The only thing surprising is that the spread could have been bigger.
The Beavers are currently 0-4 on the season with both sides of the ball looking sluggish. The defense ranks 117th in the nation with a 66.8 (D) PFSN’s College DEFi grade and has given up 30-plus points in each of its opening four games.
Oregon State’s defensive struggles have become a significant concern for Coach Bray, who is facing questions about his tenure after just one season. The offense hasn’t fared much better — Oregon State’s 319.2 average yards per game ranks 118th in the FBS, and the team has been forced to throw the football as it tries to mount comebacks.
On the other hand, Houston has shown balance on offense. While they still rank in the bottom third of the Big 12 in total offense, Conner Weigman has been resurgent so far in 2025 and is the 22nd-ranked quarterback by PFSN’s College QBi metric.
His offensive line has been stellar, with Dalton Merryman leading the group with an individual PFSN’s College OLi grade of 91.99.
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Keeping Weigman clean will be paramount for the Houston quarterback to take shots downfield. The Oregon State defense has only registered three sacks so far this season, meaning the Cougars will be confident about giving their quarterback a platform to execute from.
The Cougars have also been impressive defensively. Houston ranks 11th in the nation, allowing an average of 9.7 points per game and holding opponents to a 24.4% third-down conversion rate.
All signs point to a dominant Houston victory. However, it is a long trip for a night game, which may cause some early jitters. Expect the Cougars to win, but the amount of travel could narrow the margin.
Prediction: Houston 35, Oregon State 16
