AJ Newberry: A Difference Maker at Oregon State

AJ Newberry is giving Oregon State football fans plenty of reasons to believe the Beavers have found a special offensive weapon. The senior transfer from Vanderbilt has the speed to turn an ordinary play into a game-changing touchdown, the versatility to contribute as a receiver, and the determination to keep improving the less glamorous parts of playing running back.

His performance against Washington State on October 17 made the argument even stronger. Newberry rushed for 105 yards and caught five passes for 120 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown, in Oregon State’s 48-30 victory. He became the first Beaver in 23 years to record at least 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.

That is more than a productive afternoon. It is evidence that Newberry can be the kind of dynamic player who changes how opposing defenses prepare for Oregon State.

The Beavers need playmakers who can create explosive moments, sustain drives and give their offense multiple ways to attack. Newberry is showing that he can provide all three.

A Big-Play Threat

One of the most exciting aspects of Newberry’s game is his ability to make defenders miss and accelerate into open space. At 6-foot-1 and approximately 200 pounds, he has the physical profile to handle running-back responsibilities while possessing the speed to threaten defenses beyond the line of scrimmage.

Oregon State offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen recognized that potential during fall camp.

“He’s just different. He’s about the most unique skill set guy we’ve had at that position in a while. AJ is just a true weapon,” Dahlen said in August. 

Dahlen also described Newberry as a “home run hitter,” explaining that the running back can receive the ball in different formations and find ways to make defenders miss.

That versatility creates opportunities for Oregon State to be creative. Newberry can line up behind the quarterback, attack the edges, run between the tackles or become a receiving threat out of the backfield.

When a running back can contribute in so many ways, a defensive coordinator has a difficult assignment. Loading the box to stop the run can leave space for passes, while spreading defenders out can create opportunities for Newberry to attack on the ground.

That dilemma is precisely what makes him valuable.

Not Your Typical Running Back

The strongest argument for Newberry is that he does not have to be limited to carrying the football.

His performance against Washington State demonstrated how dangerous he can be when Oregon State uses him as a receiver. His 120 receiving yards and 88-yard touchdown showed that he can exploit defensive mismatches and punish opponents who lose track of him in coverage.

Quarterback Braden Atkinson’s connection with Newberry on the long touchdown was an example of how the Beavers can turn a routine passing concept into a spectacular scoring play.

For an offense that wants to attack quickly, Newberry’s receiving ability is especially valuable. He can give the quarterback a reliable option underneath while also threatening to break a play for a massive gain. That forces linebackers and safeties to make difficult decisions about where to position themselves.

Newberry’s versatility is not simply a bonus. It can become a defining feature of Oregon State’s offensive identity.

His willingness to line up in different spots also creates opportunities for offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen to disguise plays. The Beavers can use similar formations for running plays, screen passes and routes designed to get Newberry into open space.

That unpredictability makes the offense harder to defend.

A Physical Runner

Speed attracts attention, but Newberry’s development as a complete running back could ultimately determine how valuable he becomes.

Head coach JaMarcus Shephard challenged Newberry to run behind his pads more effectively before the Washington State game. After watching the running back respond with a career-best performance, Shephard said Newberry “looked like a man possessed at times out there today.” He added, “If he can keep playing like that, the sky is the limit for him.”

Those comments are significant because they illustrate an important coaching principle: athletic ability creates opportunities, but technique and physical commitment help players maximize their potential.

Newberry does not need to rely exclusively on outrunning defenders. By improving his pad level and attacking contact more decisively, he can become more effective between the tackles and gain yards when the defense initially appears to have stopped him.

That matters on third-and-short situations, near the goal line and late in games when an offense needs to maintain possession.

A running back who can threaten defenses with explosive speed while also accepting the physical demands of inside running is a valuable asset.

Newberry’s commitment to improving his technique has also extended to pass protection. During fall camp, he discussed working on his blocking technique and pad level, recognizing that running backs must contribute even when they do not receive the football.

Protecting the quarterback is essential to a functioning offense. If Newberry continues to improve in that area, the coaching staff can trust him in more passing situations without sacrificing protection.

Experience That Benefits The Offense

Newberry’s experience at Vanderbilt also gives him a useful background as a senior transfer.

He appeared in 26 games across three seasons with the Commodores, recording 338 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with nine receptions for 152 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Those numbers do not fully capture his potential, particularly because his opportunities have changed since arriving in Corvallis. His Oregon State performances suggest that he is finding a role that allows his athletic traits to stand out.

He has also spoken about applying what he learned in the SEC to his new team, emphasizing the importance of getting better every day.

That mindset is important for a program trying to establish consistency and build momentum. A transfer who understands the demands of major college football can help younger teammates prepare for the physical and mental challenges of the season.

Newberry’s impact can extend beyond the statistics. His approach to preparation, blocking and learning the playbook provides an example of the details required to succeed at this level.

Oregon State’s Backfield Depth

Newberry’s emergence also gives Oregon State greater flexibility in how it distributes carries. Teammate Cornell Hatcher Jr. provides another option in the backfield, and he rushed for 65 yards on 10 carries against Washington State.

That depth can help the Beavers maintain their offensive pace without asking one player to shoulder every responsibility. It can also allow Newberry to be used strategically in situations where his speed and receiving ability create the greatest advantage.

Still, Oregon State should continue finding ways to get Newberry involved. His historic performance demonstrates that he can be much more than a complementary piece.

The challenge is consistency. Defenses will study his film, devote more attention to him and attempt to eliminate the explosive plays that make him dangerous. Newberry must continue refining his decision-making, blocking and ability to gain yards when the defense takes away his preferred running lanes.

If he can do that, his ceiling is considerably higher than that of an ordinary backfield contributor.

Newberry Can Help Define The Season

The opinion here is straightforward: AJ Newberry has the tools to be one of Oregon State’s most important offensive players.

He combines speed, receiving ability, experience and a willingness to work on the details of his position. His performance against Washington State provided tangible evidence of what can happen when those qualities come together.

The Beavers’ coaching staff has every reason to keep expanding his responsibilities. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives Oregon State an offensive advantage that opponents must respect on every snap.

There is still work to do, and one outstanding performance does not guarantee that every game will produce similar numbers. But Newberry has demonstrated that he can deliver at a high level when given opportunities.

For Oregon State, that is an encouraging development as the Beavers continue their 2026 campaign.

Newberry is not merely a running back who can gain yards when the blocking is perfect. He has shown that he can create explosive plays, contribute in the passing game and respond to coaching challenges.

Those are the qualities of a player capable of changing games.

If Oregon State continues putting him in positions to succeed, AJ Newberry could become one of the defining playmakers of the Beavers’ season—and a major reason their offense remains dangerous against the rest of the Pac-12.

Michael J. Wilson-The Daily Waiver

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