TYLER, Texas — For a second consecutive season, BYU running back LJ Martin has been named to the preseason watch list for Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
The award recognizes the top offensive player in college football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell—integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community involvement and the tenacity to overcome adversity in the pursuit of reaching goals. To be considered for the award, the nominee must have played for and graduated from a Texas high school or is currently playing at a Texas FBS school.
Martin, a 6-2, 220-pound running back from El Paso, Texas, wrapped up his sophomore campaign by being named the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP after leading BYU to a 36-14 win over nationally ranked Colorado.
Previously, Martin was named a preseason candidate for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best collegiate running back. He was also named Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team by Athlon Sports for the upcoming football season.
As a sophomore in 2024, Martin led BYU in rushing with 723 yards on 138 carries (5.2 per attempt) and seven touchdowns and received College Football Network All-Big 12 honorable mention. In addition, he earned back-to-back Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week honorable-mention recognition for performances versus Arizona and Oklahoma State.
As a true freshman, Martin led the Cougars with 109 carries for 518 yards and four rushing touchdowns. His four rushing touchdowns through the first five games of his freshman season were the most by a BYU true freshman running back since Luke Staley had eight through five games in 1999. Martin was honored as a Freshman of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America in week three of the 2023 season after scoring two touchdowns and helping BYU to a 38-31 win at Arkansas.
The 2025 watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be narrowed to 16 semifinalists in November and then five finalists in December. The winner will be selected by a panel of broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and previous award winners.
The winner of the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be announced in January and will be presented a trophy sculptured by noted artist Ken Bjorge.
Additional information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award can be found at earlcapbellaward.com.