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New Mexico State has officially lost one of its best defensive players and an in-state talent.
Aggies linebacker Tyler Martinez announced his transfer to Colorado on Tuesday, Jan. 6, becoming the second notable NM State player to join the Buffaloes after safety Naeten Mitchell. Martinez is eligible to play in the 2026 season after redshirting the 2025 season due to playing only four games.
Martinez suffered a high-ankle sprain against New Mexico on Sept. 27 last year and missed the rest of the season. Aggies coach Tony Sanchez announced he would return to Las Cruces during his early signing period press conference on Dec. 3, 2025. He also said Martinez could've played in some of NM State's final games, but that it would've put too great a risk on his health.
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However, Martinez announced he would enter the transfer portal on Dec. 28.
MORE: 2026 New Mexico State football transfer portal tracker
MORE: Analyzing positions of need for NMSU football in transfer portal
The Albuquerque native had a breakout season in 2024, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors and leading the Aggies with 96 total tackles. He was expected to remain a stalwart on NM State's defense for 2025, but injuries got in the way. Martinez first suffered a fractured right hand during the season opener against Bryant, but played on it until he suffered his ankle injury against UNM.
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Martinez ended the 2025 season with 27 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and four passes defended. He was one of three Aggie linebackers who decided to enter the transfer portal and the second to confirm his departure after Quincy Davis transferred to Kansas on Monday, Jan. 5.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NMSU star linebacker Tyler Martinez transfers to Colorado
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