Luke Musgrave, a standout tight end, played college football at in the Pacific Northwest from 2019 to 2022, but throughout his college career, Musgrave largely flew under the radar. Still, he developed into one of the most versatile tight ends in the Pac-12, showcasing his athleticism, blocking ability, and receiving skills on a daily basis.
Musgrave’s growth over the years in college positioned him as a promising prospect for the NFL, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
Where Did Luke Musgrave Go to College?
Musgrave attended Bend Senior High School in Bend, Oregon, where he first displayed his talent as a multi-sport athlete. Not only did he excel on the football field, but he also competed in track and lacrosse, highlighting his diverse athletic background.
Musgrave’s performance as a tight end and defensive end in high school attracted attention from several FBS programs, but he chose to stay in-state and committed to Oregon State in 2018.
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Musgrave was regarded as a three-star recruit by most recruiting services, and his decision to attend Oregon State reflected his desire to contribute to a program that was in the process of rebuilding under head coach Jonathan Smith. He arrived in Corvallis with raw talent and high potential, hoping to carve out a role in the Beavers’ offense early in his collegiate career.
In 2019, Musgrave made his debut as a true freshman. Though he didn’t play a significant role in the offense, he gained valuable experience.
Appearing in 10 games, he mostly contributed on special teams and as a backup tight end. Musgrave’s freshman campaign saw him record two receptions for 18 yards, but his limited playing time allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game.
Musgrave’s sophomore year in 2020 was pivotal as he began establishing himself as a key piece of Oregon State’s offense. Although the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Musgrave appeared in all seven games and started to showcase his versatility as both a pass-catcher and blocker.
He finished the 2020 season with 12 receptions for 142 yards, averaging nearly 12 yards per catch. His size (6’6″, 250 pounds) and speed made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he could stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Musgrave’s blocking also improved significantly, as he became a reliable option in Oregon State’s run-heavy offense.
His breakout performance came against Oregon in the season finale, where he recorded a career-high four receptions for 52 yards. This game was a glimpse of Musgrave’s potential as a go-to target in the Beavers’ passing game.
The 2021 season marked Musgrave’s continued growth as one of the top tight ends in the Pac-12. He played in all 13 games, starting in nine, and posted career highs in receptions (22), receiving yards (304), and touchdowns (1). Musgrave’s role in the offense expanded as Oregon State began to rely more on his ability to stretch the middle of the field and contribute in key situations.
One of Musgrave’s best performances of the season came in a victory over USC, where he caught three passes for 50 yards and was instrumental in the Beavers’ upset win. His ability to make contested catches and his strong hands made him a reliable target for quarterback Chance Nolan, especially in third-down and red-zone situations.
Musgrave’s blocking continued to be a strength, as he was utilized in both run-blocking schemes and pass protection. His all-around game drew the attention of NFL scouts, who began to see him as a potential early-round draft pick due to his combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ.
Musgrave entered his senior season in 2022 with high expectations. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in the second game of the season. Prior to the injury, Musgrave had started the season strong, recording 11 receptions for 169 yards in just two games, including a standout performance in the season opener against Boise State, where he posted 89 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Despite the injury, Musgrave’s draft stock remained high due to his impressive body of work over the previous three seasons. His athletic testing at the NFL Combine and Pro Day helped solidify his status as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Musgrave’s college career at Oregon State was defined by his steady improvement, versatility, and physical gifts. While injuries shortened his senior season, his overall performance at Oregon State showcased his potential as a dynamic two-way tight end capable of making an impact at the next level.
Musgrave’s combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him a highly intriguing prospect for the NFL, and his time at Oregon State laid the foundation for a promising professional career.
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