Colorado's Tyler Martinez can become a defensive star given his past

Colorado football may have found a linebacker who can grow into a big-name player before his time in Boulder is done. Tyler Martinez , the former New Mexico State standout, arrives with real production, plenty of experience and a resume built the hard way. Martinez's path to Colorado has been anything but ordinary.

The Albuquerque native did not draw a Division I offer out of high school, so he went the junior college route, turned heads at New Mexico Military Institute and then earned a bigger opportunity at New Mexico State. By 2024, he was one of the Aggies' most reliable defenders, finishing with 96 tackles and second-team All-Conference USA honors. That production has not come by accident.

Martinez said he chose to bet on himself early in his career, and that mindset could fit well in Boulder. He also brings a rare blend of experience and eligibility, with two years of eligibility remaining. In 2025, an ankle injury cut his season short after four games, but he still managed 27 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and three pass breakups before going down.

If he is healthy, he should enter a linebacker room that includes Kylan Salter, Gideon Lampron, and Liona Lefau , under new defensive coordinato r Chris Marve. Colorado football does not typically hand out roles, but Martinez has the kind of production and maturity that could make it hard to keep him off the field. Follow James Carnes on X , Facebook and Instagram .