Freshman All-Conference QB delivers bad news to major college football programs

Braden Atkinson, former quarterback for Mercer, has committed to Oregon State, opting for the Beavers over programs like Notre Dame and Baylor. The announcement, confirmed by AiC Athletes to On3's Hayes Fawcett, marks a significant recruiting win for Oregon State. Atkinson's decision comes after a standout season at the FCS level, where he threw for 3,611 yards and 34 touchdowns, completing 66 percent of his passes. His performance earned him the Jerry Rice Award and a fifth-place finish in the Walter Payton Award voting.

Atkinson entered the transfer portal following Mercer head coach Mike Jacobs' departure to Toledo, sparking interest from several major programs, including Notre Dame, Baylor, Syracuse, Boston College, and Cal. Each sought him for his potential to either start or provide depth, with Notre Dame and Baylor particularly interested in securing experienced quarterbacks. The move to Oregon State affects these programs' offseason strategies, as they must now explore other options for quarterback support