After running for 2,000+ yards and 16 touchdowns for the Beavers, Oregon State RB Damien Martinez has entered the transfer portal. The true junior has propelled himself up the national leaderboard with his physical rushing style, powering OSU to an 18-8 record in his time in Corvallis. Which landing spots make the most sense for Martinez?
Landing Spots for Damien Martinez
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Martinez was set to make over $400,000 with the Beavers in 2024. That’s significant money, and the program he joins will likely need to poney up a similar amount (if not more).
That shouldn’t be difficult for the teams on this list, with the average NIL collective funding for their conferences ranging between $7-13 million ($4 million more than OSU).
Utah Utes
Ja’Quinden Jackson transferred to Arkansas this offseason, leaving Utah in need of a big-bodied back who can carry the offense. 5’8″ Jaylon Glover played well as the RB2 but shouldn’t stop the Utes from bringing in a top back in the country. Martinez would also get a taste of a new conference, with Utah beginning their Big 12 era in 2024.
Michigan State Spartans
How about following head coach Jonathan Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, and QB Aidan Chiles to Michigan State? The familiarity factor is massive, but so is the Spartans’ need for a ground-shaking lead back. Nathan Carter served the previous staff well last year but is still acclimating to a new system and culture.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban is out, but national championship runner-up Kalen DeBoer is in for the Crimson Tide. DeBoer’s offensive pedigree and the opportunity to keep in the SEC could be enough to pull Martinez to Alabama. He’d face little resistance in the RB room, with 2023 starter Jase McClellan on to the NFL and backup Roydell Williams transferring to Florida State.
Colorado Buffaloes
As Deion Sanders said, he’s not hard to find. Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Will Sheppard highlight the offense, but they didn’t (and still don’t) have much of a running game to speak of. Martinez could right the ship immediately, and who better to help him maximize his NIL potential than Coach Prime?
Miami Hurricanes
Injuries and Miami’s tendency to ride the hot hand resulted in four players earning 70+ carries — and three are returning. However, Martinez would rule out the need for a committee, simply taking the reins from Day 1 and providing a stable force on which the offense can lean.
KEEP READING: 2024 Pac-12 Transfer Portal Rankings
Pairing him with Washington State transfer QB Cam Ward would lead to further improvement in Mario Cristobal’s third season as head coach.
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