Oregon State transfer RB Damien Martinez sets visits with 5 programs

Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez has set visits with five schools, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He officially hit the portal Tuesday afternoon when the spring window opened.

Martinez visit Arizona April 17-18, Mississippi State April 19-20, Tennessee April 21-22, Kentucky April 23-24 and Miami April 25-27. A two-time first team All-Pac-12 selection and 2022 conference freshman of the year, Martinez is the No. 14 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. As of Tuesday evening, he was the top available player in the portal.

Martinez put up big numbers over the last two seasons at Oregon State, including an impressive 2023-24 season. He ran for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns as the Beavers went 8-5 overall and 5-4 in Pac-12 play. That came after a freshman season in which he totaled 982 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

There was also some off-field news surrounding Martinez at the tail end of the 2023 season. In late November, he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants. A citation was also written for being a minor in possession of marijuana.

“Made a mistake, I am fine, I WAS FINE, I’ll be fine,” Martinez said on social media following his arrest.

Due to the arrest, Oregon State suspended Martinez for the bowl game against Notre Dame.

In early April, before college football’s second transfer portal window opened, On3’s Pete Nakos reported Martinez’s plans to transfer from Oregon State, and he later announced those plans on social media.

“Some decisions are harder than others and this is easily the hardest one I’ve made in my entire life,” Martinez wrote. “I want to thank every coach, fan and Beaver Nation as a whole for your love and support. I can truly say I have given my all to Oregon State and appreciate everything OSU has given me.”

Martinez also turned down significant NIL money, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He reported Martinez was set to make $400,000 this season, but instead opted to hit the portal and take his talents elsewhere.

Damien Martinez played high school football at Lewisville (TX) High School, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 615 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.