One All-Pac-12 Conference running back is reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal.
According to Kyle Bonagura of ESPN, Oregon State running back Damien Martinez told the Beavers coaching staff Tuesday about his upcoming decision to transfer when the portal opens Monday.
READ: UCF’s Josh Celiscar announces transfer to Texas A&M
Martinez continued the impressive start to his college career last season rushing for 98.8 yards per game, second best in the Pac-12, for a total of 1,185 yards, third in the conference. He landed on the First Team All-Pac 12 and was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.
The Lewisville, Texas, native followed up on a standout freshman campaign in 2022 that saw him run for 982 yards and seven touchdowns leading to Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Of The Year honors and a spot on the first team all-conference.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Martinez “was set to make more than $400,000 in name, image and likeness deals to remain at Oregon State.”
READ: Florida State’s Braden Fiske motivated by ‘huge impact’ leading up to NFL Draft
In 2023, Martinez “was briefly suspended following an arrest for driving under the influence of intoxicants in November, before being reinstated after the Benton County district attorney chose not to file charges,” according to ESPN.
Former Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith, who coached Martinez during his first two years of college ball, took the Michigan State opening in November 2023.
