Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree runs with the ball during the Beavers' game against Houston
Karl Maasdam / Oregon State Athletics

Summary

  • Legree told ESPN and CBS Sports he will return to Oregon State in 2027.
  • CBS reports he had 1,040 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns through seven games.
  • The announcement confirms his intent to stay but does not disclose agreement terms.

Legree announces his return

Oregon State freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree has re-signed with the Beavers and plans to return for the 2027 season, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Friday. Legree announced the decision live on CBS Sports HQ, saying he would sign with Oregon State for the 2027-28 season. The announcement resolves immediate speculation about whether the standout would leave after his first year in Corvallis. [1] [2]

Oregon State football also posted signing photos, according to local station KPTV. The public announcement confirms Legree's intent to return; the reports do not disclose financial or other agreement terms. [2] [3]

A breakout freshman season

Legree's production explains why his future drew attention. Through Oregon State's first seven games, he had 46 catches for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the nation in receiving yards and touchdowns, according to CBS Sports. He was also named a midseason CBS Sports All-American. His return gives the Beavers their leading playmaker back as they look toward next season. [2] [3]

His rise has been swift. Legree opened his college career with five catches for 136 yards and a touchdown against Houston, earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors, Oregon State reported. KPTV reported that he followed his latest standout outing against Washington State with eight receptions, 108 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon State is on a bye before traveling to Fresno State on Oct. 31. [3] [4]

A second signing-day moment

The decision carries a personal backdrop. Legree was a lightly recruited prospect from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, and CBS reported that he did not get the signing-day moment he wanted coming out of high school. Oregon State's late push gave him a chance to make that commitment publicly now. In his CBS appearance, he described signing for 2027-28 as the experience he missed the previous year. [2] [5]

The move is a boost for a program building momentum under coach JaMarcus Shephard. CBS reported the Beavers were 5-2 and had won five straight entering their bye. Keeping the nation's leading receiver provides continuity at a position that can shape the offense, while Legree gets another season in the system where he emerged. [2] [3]

Reporting sources

  1. ESPN · Oregon State standout WR Jesse Legree re-signs with Beavers for 2027 ↗2026-10-23
  2. CBS Sports · Jesse Legree announces Oregon State return for sophomore season ↗2026-10-23
  3. KPTV · Standout freshman receiver Jesse Legree staying at Oregon State for 2027 ↗2026-10-23
  4. Oregon State Athletics · Jesse Legree named Pac-12 Football Freshman of the Week ↗2026-09-08
  5. Oregon State Athletics · Jesse Legree roster profile ↗2026-08-01

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