TYLER, Texas — For the third time in the past two seasons, BYU running back LJ Martin has been named Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week honorable mention, this time for his performance in the Cougars’ 38-24 win over West Virginia on Friday.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award annually recognizes the top offensive player in college football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics of integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community involvement and the tenacity to overcome adversity in the pursuit of reaching goals.
Martin, a 6-2, 220-pound running back from El Paso, Texas, led BYU in rushing against WVU with 21 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for an additional 21 yards.
In five game this season, Martin has 490 yards on 76 rushes with three touchdowns, good for 98 yards per game and 6.4 yards per carry. He also has eight receptions for 77 yards, good for 9.6 yards per catch. Martin has rushed for over 100 yards in four of BYU’s five games this season.
Prior to the 2025 season, Martin was named to the watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award for a second consecutive season. He was also named Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team by Athlon Sports and was on the watch list for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best collegiate running back.
As a sophomore in 2024, Martin led BYU in rushing with 723 yards on 138 carries with seven touchdowns and was named 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. Martin 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.
To be considered for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, the nominee must have played for and graduated from a Texas high school or currently play at a Texas FBS school. The 2025 watch list 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.