Hammond, Castellanos Lead Texas Tech Past Oregon State 35-24

Decisive Finish in Corvallis

The Texas Tech Red Raiders secured their second consecutive victory, defeating the host Oregon State Beavers 35-24 on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Reser Stadium. The win improves Texas Tech’s record to 2-0, while the Beavers drop to 0-2 on the season in front of a crowd of 30,539.

Second-Half Surge Defines Outcome

Texas Tech overcame an early deficit by leveraging a dominant offensive performance in the middle quarters. After trailing 7-0 following Jesse Legree’s 75-yard touchdown reception from Braden Atkinson in the second period, the Red Raiders responded with two unanswered touchdowns.

Thomas Castellanos provided the initial spark with a 7-yard run, followed by Cameron Dickey’s 1-yard run, both capped by Stone Harrington’s extra points, to take a 14-7 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal for Texas Tech’s momentum. J’Koby Williams broke open the game with a 38-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 21-13. Although Oregon State fought back to tie the contest at 21-all late in the period—highlighted by Jesse Legree’s 37-yard touchdown reception and a successful two-point conversion—the Beavers could not maintain the parity into the fourth quarter.

Key Performances and Statistics

Will Hammond was instrumental in the Red Raiders' offensive success, completing 20 of 27 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. His connection with Coy Eakin proved critical, as Eakin hauled in six receptions for 79 yards and a score. The ground game was equally effective, driven by J’Koby Williams, who carried the ball 20 times for 116 yards and a touchdown.

For Oregon State, quarterback Braden Atkinson threw for 413 yards on 31-of-51 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Jesse Legree was the primary target, recording eight receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the impressive receiving numbers, the Beavers’ rushing attack was limited, with Aaron Butler providing the sole significant ground contribution of 20 yards on one carry.

Closing Drive Secures Record

The final period saw Texas Tech pull away definitively. Coy Eakin’s touchdown catch gave the Red Raiders a 28-24 advantage. The margin was widened late in the game when Thomas Castellanos connected with Matt Ludwig on an 8-yard pass, sealed by Harrington’s kick, to make the score 35-24.

A 34-yard field goal by Caleb Ojeda had briefly narrowed the gap to 21-24 earlier in the quarter, but it was insufficient to overcome Texas Tech’s sustained offensive output.

The victory marks a strong start to the season for Texas Tech, who now sits at 2-0. Oregon State, playing as the home team, begins its campaign at 0-2.

Sources

ESPN