TYLER, Texas — For the third time during the 2025 season, BYU running back LJ Martin has earned Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week honorable mention recognition, this time for his performance in BYU’s 26-14 win at Cincinnati on Saturday.
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 rushed for a career-high 222 yards on 32 carries (6.9 average) to go with two touchdowns versus the Bearcats. His 222 yards rushing is the eighth-highest single-game production in school history, while the 32 carries marks the fourth-highest total ever at BYU.
The 6-2, 220-pound junior running back from El Paso, Texas, also had three catches for 44 yards giving him 266 all-purpose yards, the fourth-highest total at BYU in the last 30 years. Martin's 33-yard touchdown with 1:02 to play in the game sealed the victory.
For his efforts at Cincinnati, Martin was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Martin currently leads the Big 12 in carries (195) rushing yards (1,134) and yards per game (103.9) and is second in all-purpose yards (120.3). Martin is seventh in the nation in rushing yards, eighth in all-purpose yards and ninth in rushing yards per game.
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 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. 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.