CORVALLIS – Quarterback Ben Gulbranson will make his first start of the season for Oregon State at the Beavers’ game against San Jose State at 12:30 pm Saturday at Reser Stadium.

Gulbranson, a fifth-year junior, replaces junior Gevani McCoy, who started OSU’s first eight games this season. Gulbranson was taking snaps with the starting unit during warmups.

Gulbranson has nine career starts at OSU, the last coming in the 2023 Sun Bowl. Gulbranson started the final eight games of the 2022 season. He went 7-1 during that stretch and earned MVP honors in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Gulbranson replaced McCoy during the second quarter of OSU’s 44-7 loss at California on October 26. Gulbranson is 11 of 20 for 131 yards and a touchdown this season.

Oregon State coach Trent Bray said earlier this week that The starting quarterback position was an open competition. due to McCoy’s recent struggles. Bray said he and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson would evaluate the quarterbacks after Thursday’s practice and make a decision.

McCoy is 123 of 200 for 1,300 yards and three touchdowns. But he’s struggled lately, throwing four interceptions at Nevada and then failing to move the offense at California.

—Nick Daschel He can be reached at 360-607-4824, [email protected] or @nickdaschel.

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