With the Oregon State football team gearing up for its season opener against the Cal Bears on August 30th, they’ll be a bit thinner at inside linebacker as redshirt senior Makiya Tongue announced via Instagram that he’d be moving on to the next phase of life following a knee injury.

“Dear football, I will forever be thankful for the lessons this game has taught me, and the man that it has molded me into. Thank you to all the coaches who believed in me my whole career, and all my brothers who have been by my side throughout my journey. I love all y’all boys. For all my YouTube people and the Beaver fans who have continued to support me through all of this, I am so thankful. The support means so much more than you know, thank you.

The past 5 years, I’ve battled 3 season-ending knee surgeries, but came back a better, stronger man each time. I’m proud of myself for that. While preparing for the upcoming season, I’ve unfortunately suffered another season-ending knee injury and will have to undergo another surgery. I’ve given my all to this game both mentally and physically, but to be real, I’m exhausted. I am grateful for all this game has given me, but I feel that God has better plans for me, and I am ready for the next chapter of my life. 3 out.”

A consensus four-star wide receiver recruit in the class of 2019 out of University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tongue began his career at the University of Georgia, seeing action in three games for the Bulldogs. He began his Oregon State career in 2021, playing in six games and tallying one catch for 24 yards. The following year, in 2022, he played in 13 games, making two starts, grabbing one catch for eight yards at Arizona State.

Ahead of the 2023 season, the Beavers and Tongue chose to move him to inside linebacker, which, early on, showed some promising returns. He played in the Beavers’ first three games and finished with six tackles, one forced fumble, and half a tackle for loss. However, he suffered a rare knee injury that required a lengthy recovery, as he didn’t return until the spring of 2025. Tongue did return, though, and he looked to play a key role in the Beavers’ efforts this season as he was a mainstay with the first or second units at ILB in spring and fall.

For a closer look at what we think the Beavers’ ILB depth will look like, check out our defensive depth chart prediction here.

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