Trent Bray Talks Oregon State’s Critical Boise State Matchup, Transfer Portal
Oregon State University (OSU) football has been on an upward trajectory in recent seasons, with head coach Jonathan Smith leading the program toward a more competitive and respected status in the Pac-12. But, with a new season upon them, OSU faces fresh challenges that will shape the course of the 2024 season. One of the key figures in ensuring Oregon State’s success is defensive coordinator Trent Bray, a former OSU player himself, who has established himself as one of the most promising coaching minds in college football.
As the Beavers prepare for their critical matchup against Boise State, Bray took time to sit down and discuss the team’s preparations, his thoughts on the upcoming game, and how the transfer portal has affected Oregon State’s roster and their overall strategy. In this interview, Bray reflects on how his defense is approaching the challenges posed by Boise State’s offense, the impact of the transfer portal on team chemistry, and the evolving identity of Oregon State’s football program.
The Critical Boise State Matchup
Q: Coach Bray, the Boise State game is quickly approaching, and it’s an important matchup for both teams. What are the key aspects of Boise State’s offense that you’re focusing on in preparation for the game?
Trent Bray:
Boise State has always been a program that prides itself on its physicality and ability to execute in all phases of the game. When you look at their offense, they’re not afraid to be multiple. They run a variety of formations and have a lot of weapons in their skill positions. It all starts with their quarterback play. Boise has traditionally had good quarterbacks who can make quick decisions and deliver the ball accurately. Their ability to stretch the field vertically is a big part of their offense, and we’ll need to make sure our secondary is prepared for that.
But it’s not just the passing game we’re worried about; their running back room is deep, and they have the ability to grind out long drives. They tend to mix up their runs well, and their offensive line is solid, so they’re tough to stop when they get into a rhythm. Our defensive line will need to be disciplined and maintain gap integrity, while the linebackers will have to be aggressive in their pursuit. We’ve focused on staying assignment-sound and not letting them dictate the tempo.
Q: Boise State has a long history of success. How much does their legacy weigh into the preparation?
Trent Bray:
It’s hard to ignore the success they’ve had over the years. They’ve been one of the premier programs in the Group of Five conferences for a long time, and they’re known for their toughness and mental fortitude. But as coaches, we don’t put too much stock into their legacy when we’re preparing for a game. What matters most is what they’re doing this season. Yes, they have a great history, but we need to focus on what their current team looks like, how they’re performing this year, and how we can best exploit their weaknesses. We’ve studied their game tape, and we’re focused on doing what we do best: playing smart, physical, and disciplined football.
Q: What’s the game plan defensively for slowing down Boise State’s offensive attack?
Trent Bray:
Our goal is to make them uncomfortable. We need to create chaos up front and put pressure on the quarterback, but at the same time, we have to keep everything in front of us. Boise State thrives when they’re able to mix up their plays and keep the defense guessing. We need to be disciplined in our coverages and make sure we’re not overcommitting to one area of the field. Our defensive line is key in this matchup—they need to get pressure on the quarterback without sacrificing their lane integrity. The linebackers also have to be alert to their play-action game and be able to read the run-pass option quickly.
We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on tackling in space, especially in open-field situations. Boise State has a lot of guys who can make plays once they get the ball in their hands, so making sure we’re wrapping up and not letting yards after contact pile up is a priority.
Impact of the Transfer Portal
Q: Shifting gears a bit—Oregon State has been very active in the transfer portal in recent years. How has the transfer portal affected the team’s overall development and roster construction?
Trent Bray:
The transfer portal has been a game-changer, not just for us, but for every program in the country. It’s a new dynamic, and it’s something that we’ve had to adjust to. At Oregon State, we’ve been really strategic with how we approach the portal. We’ve looked to add talent that fits our culture and fills specific needs. Our philosophy is to bring in guys who can contribute immediately but also players who understand what it means to be part of a team and a program that is built on hard work, discipline, and accountability.
One of the things we’ve done well with the portal is maintain a balance. We’ve added players who come in with experience, which has really helped us build depth, but we’ve also kept the core of our roster intact. The veteran leadership that has developed over the last couple of years has been critical to our success. Our coaching staff has done a great job of fostering chemistry within the team and making sure that the players we bring in through the portal fit seamlessly into what we’re building.
Q: How do you ensure that incoming transfers adjust to the team’s culture and don’t disrupt what has been a strong foundation in recent years?
Trent Bray:
It starts with the recruiting process. We make it very clear from the outset that the Oregon State football program is about more than just winning games—it’s about developing young men who are committed to the team and the process. We’re looking for transfers who not only bring talent to the table but also align with our values. When they come in, we put them through a strong acclimation process. That includes spending time with the veteran players, learning about our schemes, and understanding what we expect in terms of effort and attitude.
We’ve been lucky in that most of the transfers we’ve brought in have embraced our culture. They understand that they’re coming into a program that values hard work, team-first mentality, and a commitment to development. The coaches also play a big role in making sure that everyone, regardless of their transfer status, is held to the same standard. We’ve created an environment where the new guys want to fit in and contribute, and the veterans do a great job of mentoring them.
Q: Are there any specific transfer players you’re excited about in terms of how they could impact the defense this year?
Trent Bray:
We’ve brought in some really talented players who can make an immediate impact. I’m especially excited about a couple of transfers in our secondary. They’re experienced players who bring a lot of leadership and football IQ to the table. We’ve also added some depth on the defensive line with a couple of transfers who can help us get pressure on the quarterback and be disruptive in the run game. Overall, I think the guys we’ve brought in are going to help take our defense to the next level. They’ve embraced the system and understand their roles, and I’m excited to see how they contribute this season.
Building the Oregon State Defense
Q: Oregon State’s defense has been steadily improving over the years. What has been the key to that progression?
Trent Bray:
It all starts with consistency. We’ve worked hard to build a defense that is disciplined and can execute at a high level. The foundation of our defense is built on strong fundamentals—tackling, communication, and maintaining gap integrity. But beyond the basics, we’ve also focused on developing an attacking mindset. We want to put pressure on the quarterback, disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses, and create turnovers.
Another key factor in our defense’s growth is the leadership we have on that side of the ball. We’ve had some really strong players step up as leaders, and that’s helped us build trust and camaraderie. The players are really buying into the system, and we’ve created a culture where everyone is held accountable, from the starters to the backups. It’s about continuous improvement, and we’re seeing that on the field.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you see for the defense in the 2024 season, and how are you preparing to meet them?
Trent Bray:
One of the biggest challenges we face is staying healthy. Depth is always a concern, especially on defense, where injuries can quickly deplete your rotation. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to build depth across the board, and the transfers we’ve brought in will help with that. Another challenge is maintaining consistency. We’ve shown flashes of greatness, but we need to continue to play at a high level week in and week out.
We’re also facing some really talented offenses in the Pac-12 and beyond. That’s why we’ve been emphasizing versatility in our defense. We want to be able to adapt to different schemes and personnel, whether we’re facing a high-flying air raid offense or a power-run team. We’ve been installing different packages and making sure our players are prepared for any situation.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Q: What’s your vision for the Oregon State defense in the future?
Trent Bray:
My vision is to continue to build a defense that is feared and respected across the country. We want to be known for being physical, disciplined, and smart. I want our defense to be able to dominate in all phases of the game—whether it’s stopping the run, defending the pass, or getting after the quarterback. It’s about consistency and making sure that we’re always improving, never becoming complacent
