TYLER, Texas — For the fourth time this 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 41-21 win over UCF 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.
Against the Knights, Martin had 22 caries for 95 yards and three touchdowns, setting a new individual single-game career high in touchdowns for the 6-2, 220-pound junior running back from El Paso, Texas. He also caught five passes for an additional 35 yards in the win. His three rushing touchdowns ties four other Big 12 running backs for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game during the 2025 season.
Martin wrapped up the 2025 regular season as the Big 12 statistical leader in rushing yards (1,229), yards per game (102.4) and all purpose yards (1,453). He was also second in rushing touchdowns (11). Nationally, Martin is 10th in all-purpose yards, 12th in rushing yards and 14th 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.