A Significant Day for Oregon State Football

Friday, January 2nd, marked a pivotal moment for the Oregon State football program as several key contributors chose to explore new opportunities through the transfer portal. This day was especially impactful for the Beavers, as multiple players from different positions decided to move on, signaling a potential shift in the team’s roster and strategy.

Among those who entered the portal were Dylan Black, the long snapper and cancer survivor, and two quarterbacks: Gabarri Johnson, a trusted backup, and Tristan Ti’a, the four-star freshman heir apparent. Following this initial wave of departures, three more players have now joined them, according to reports from various outlets covering the Beavers.

These additional transfers include Thomas Collins, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle; Kai Wallin, a redshirt junior edge rusher; and Salahadin Allah, a sophomore return specialist and reserve tailback. Their decisions have been confirmed by multiple sources, including On3 and 247Sports.

Thomas Collins: From Sweden to Oregon State

Thomas Collins’ journey to college football is nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Sweden, he developed a passion for the sport while playing for RIG Academy, a unique soccer-style academy that focuses on high-upside American football players in a region where hockey and soccer dominate. His connection with Oregon State began through Simon Sandberg, a fellow Swede and Oregon State alum, which eventually led to his commitment to the program in the 2023 class.

After sitting out his freshman year, Collins made an impact in 2024, playing in 9 games along the defensive line. He recorded 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, a fumble recovery, and 3 quarterback hurries. In 2025, he stepped up his game, starting 12 games and tallying 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, 6 quarterback hurries, and 2 pass breakups. One of his standout performances came on November 15th against Tulsa, where he recorded a personal best of six tackles.

Kai Wallin: A Versatile Edge Rusher

Kai Wallin arrived at Oregon State last offseason after spending two years on the bench at Nebraska. His transition to Corvallis proved fruitful, as he started seven games in 2025 and played in nine contests overall. Wallin’s versatility shone through in the Beavers’ 4-2-5 front, where he contributed 9 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 quarterback hits, and 1 pass breakup.

Salahadin Allah: A Rising Star

Salahadin Allah, a speedy running back from Houston, showed promise as a return specialist early in his career. After arriving on campus ahead of the 2024 season, he played in all 12 games, primarily as a return man, though he also served as a backup behind the dynamic duo of Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson. When Griffin suffered a season-ending injury, Allah’s role expanded, and he finished the year with 55 carries for 288 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 catches for 6 receiving yards, and 4 kicks returned for 75 return yards.

In 2025, Allah was expected to back up Hankerson, but the emergence of Cornell Hatcher Jr. altered the team’s plans. As a result, Allah only saw limited action, recording 19 carries for 71 rushing yards, plus 3 catches for 16 receiving yards. He still has two years of eligibility remaining.

The Transfer Portal Remains Open

The transfer portal will remain open until Friday, January 16th, giving players ample time to consider their next steps. With several key contributors now exploring new opportunities, the Oregon State football program may undergo significant changes in the coming months. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these departures affect the team’s future.