A Letter To Beaver Nation From Scott Barnes
August 21, 2025 | General
Dear Beaver Nation,
We are in the throes of one of the most pivotal eras in the history of Oregon State Athletics. The shifting landscape—marked by the emergence of a rebuilt conference, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), the formalization of revenue sharing, and the evolving expectations of student-athletes—requires us to think boldly, act strategically, and lead with integrity.
Here at Oregon State, we don't just weather the storms of change—we rise to meet them with unyielding spirit and determination. In the face of uncertainty, we are driven by the relentless pride and passion that defines Beaver Nation. Together, we are forging our own path, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to create a future where our community, our student-athletes, and our legacy will not merely survive, but thrive beyond measure.
Pac-12 Update: Now Comprising Nine Members
Texas State will join the Pac-12 Conference as its ninth full member and eighth institution participating in football, thereby meeting the NCAA FBS requirements for conference membership. The Bobcats have had back-to-back 8-win football seasons and have won three of the last four Bubas Cup, the Sun Belt's annual all-sports championship trophy.
With this addition, the conference secures a robust eight-team football lineup and boasts nine full-sport members, further strengthening our organizational structure and competitiveness.
Beyond their competitive success, Texas State's inclusion expands our geographic reach, enhances national television exposure and bolsters recruiting opportunities.
House v. NCAA: A Defining Shift
The recent settlement in House v. NCAA is a game-changer. Starting July 1, 2025, schools like Oregon State now have the opportunity to share revenue directly with student-athletes.
This moment is historic. It's a testament to the extraordinary dedication and heart our student-athletes pour into everything they do—not just on the field, but across our entire university and within our community. With this new chapter comes a profound responsibility: to dream bigger, to hold tight to our values, and to craft a future that is innovative, resilient, and sustainable.
Unwavering Commitment to Excellence
Our mission is unwavering: to thrive competitively, deliver an education that transforms lives, and shape student-athletes into tomorrow's leaders. This mission is unbreakable because our greatness is not measured just in victories—it is defined by the courage, resilience, and loyalty that set us apart. We are relentless. We push through every barrier with grit and heart, building not only champions on the field but a family that stands together, no matter the challenge.
OSU's Approach: Integrity. Strategy. Adaptable.
While our mission remains unchanged, significant developments have necessitated revisions to our approach. We continue to pursue the same objectives but are now implementing different strategies to achieve them.
A progressive strategy, built on the distinct strengths and attributes that set Oregon State apart, has been established and will undergo ongoing refinement. Key portions of our plan include:
• Partnering with Blueprint Sports, a NIL marketing agency. Blueprint Sports has assumed ownership and operation of the Dam Nation Collective, which will be managed by a team of full-time, on-site professionals who run day-to-day operations, revenue generation campaigns, corporate partnerships, special events, student-athlete engagements, and more.
• In partnership with the OSU Foundation, we've launched a robust array of giving opportunities for donors at all levels to support the areas they are passionate about through our Head Coaches Circles, Athletics Excellence, and FEARLESS.
• Designing and executing a comprehensive suite of revenue-generating initiatives
• Managing rosters with long-term stability in mind
• Conducting a comprehensive review of departmental expenditures to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and cost savings
You Make the Difference
Much of our success depends on our capacity to adapt to change and thrive where others may not. When the naysayers expected us to falter and fade, we forged ahead. This approach has long defined Beaver Nation. Every triumph we have celebrated and every bright future we envision is made possible only by your unwavering belief and support.
Every person in Beaver Nation plays a role in what comes next. Here is how you can help us keep building and play an active role in OSUnited:
• Buy your season tickets and attend events
• Make a gift to Our Beaver Nation
• Engage with the Dam Nation Collective
• Share the vision with others who believe in Beaver excellence
Every action counts. Every gift matters. Every voice makes us stronger.
Your devotion and unshakable belief fuel the very heart of Beaver Nation. Because of you, our pride soars, our spirit remains unbreakable, and our goals become possible. Thank you for standing alongside us, championing our programs, uplifting our university, and inspiring every student-athlete to reach for greatness.
Let's keep pushing forward. Let's keep believing. Let's keep building—together.
Go Beavs!
Scott Barnes
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Oregon State University
