Atkinson will be Oregon State's starting quarterback for Sept. 9 against Houston, Pete Thamel of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis:The Mercer transfer will assume duties under center for the Beavers to start the season, beating out returner Maalik Murphy and Western Michigan transfer Brady Jones. Atkinson won the Jerry Rice Award for the top player in the FCS in 2025, throwing for 3,611 yards, 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 65.8 percent completion.
