Interim Coach Akey Aims to Spark Oregon State Against Surging Leopards

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Oregon State Beavers will host the Lafayette Leopards in a college football matchup. The Beavers, who are currently 0-7 this season, have turned to interim head coach Robb Akey after the firing of Trent Bray. They will face a 5-2 Lafayette team that is on a two-game winning streak in the FCS.

The game will feature a quarterback showdown between Oregon State's Maalik Murphy, a former Texas and Duke signal-caller, and Lafayette's Dean DeNobile. Murphy has thrown for 1,653 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions this year, while DeNobile has put up 1,587 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Leopards' offense is also bolstered by a strong ground game, with running backs Kente Edwards and Ethan Weber combining for 1,038 yards and 17 touchdowns. In contrast, Oregon State's leading rusher is Anthony Hankerson, who has 467 yards and 2 scores.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools, and the Beavers will be looking to turn their season around under Akey's leadership. The Leopards, on the other hand, will aim to continue their winning ways and secure a key victory on the national stage.