Josiah Martin, the talented former wide receiver from the University of California, is the newest addition to the University of Oklahoma’s football program. His decision to transfer via the NCAA transfer portal has generated considerable excitement in Norman, as the Sooners look to bolster their wide receiver corps with a dynamic and promising young talent. Martin, who played his true freshman season at Cal, showed flashes of potential that made him a standout on the Golden Bears’ roster. His impressive debut season, which included 12 receptions for 112 yards and 5 rushing attempts for 44 yards and a touchdown, has made him an intriguing prospect for Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. In this article, we will explore Josiah Martin’s journey to Oklahoma, his strengths as a player, and what he brings to the Sooners as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The Journey to the Portal
Josiah Martin, a highly regarded recruit out of high school, chose to commit to the University of California after considering several top-tier programs. He was drawn to Cal’s academic reputation and its football program, which has long been known for producing strong, well-rounded athletes. Martin’s recruitment was highly competitive, with numerous schools showing interest in his talents. However, it was Cal that ultimately secured his services, offering him a chance to compete early and showcase his skills on the field.
As a true freshman at Cal, Martin quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and became a contributor in his first season. Despite being a relatively unproven commodity, he displayed a level of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility that made him a valuable asset to the team. Martin’s ability to contribute both in the passing game and on the ground highlighted his potential as a dual-threat weapon for the Bears.
However, after one season in Berkeley, Martin decided that it was time for a change. The decision to enter the transfer portal is one that is never taken lightly, but for players like Martin, it can be a crucial step in finding the right fit for their talents and future development. In his case, the move to Oklahoma represents an opportunity to play at a higher level, compete for championships, and refine his game under the guidance of a coaching staff with a proven track record of developing top-tier talent.
Why Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for Big 12 titles and national championships. The Sooners are known for their high-powered offense and have produced some of the most prolific wide receivers in recent memory, including the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Marquise Brown. Under head coach Brent Venables, the program is also building a reputation for toughness, discipline, and an emphasis on player development. For a young talent like Martin, Oklahoma provides an ideal environment to grow and make an immediate impact.
One of the biggest factors in Martin’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma was the opportunity to play in a high-octane offensive system. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s system is built around creating explosive plays, utilizing fast-paced tempo, and leveraging the versatility of skill players. Martin’s ability to line up in multiple positions – both at wide receiver and as a ball-carrier – fits well with the type of players that Lebby has used to build his offenses at previous stops, including Ole Miss. The chance to work with Lebby and develop his skills in this fast-paced, pass-heavy system was likely an appealing aspect of the Oklahoma program.
Additionally, the Sooners’ recent success in recruiting has ensured that they have an elite group of wide receivers. With names like Marvin Mims (now in the NFL), Oklahoma is known for its ability to develop top-tier wideouts who excel at the next level. The competition to earn playing time is fierce, but it also provides Martin with an excellent opportunity to raise his game and challenge himself against some of the best in college football.
Martin’s Skill Set
Josiah Martin’s skill set is one that immediately stands out. At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, he has an ideal frame for a wide receiver, possessing a blend of size, speed, and agility that allows him to excel both as a pass catcher and a rusher. His quickness and vision as a ball carrier make him dangerous on jet sweeps, reverses, and short-yardage situations, where he can use his shiftiness to make defenders miss in the open field.
During his freshman season at Cal, Martin demonstrated his ability to be a versatile playmaker. Though he was primarily utilized as a wide receiver, his five rushing attempts for 44 yards and a touchdown highlighted his potential as a weapon in the running game as well. This dual-threat ability gives offensive coordinators the flexibility to deploy him in a variety of ways, keeping defenses on their toes. Martin’s capacity to line up in the backfield as a ball carrier and then switch back to wide receiver creates matchup problems, particularly for defenses that struggle to defend both the run and pass.
As a receiver, Martin has solid hands and the ability to make contested catches. He is not the fastest player on the field, but his understanding of how to separate from defenders and create space with precise route running is impressive. His agility and ability to make defenders miss after the catch make him a dangerous player in the open field, capable of turning short gains into big plays. Additionally, his ability to track the ball in the air and make adjustments at the catch point further enhances his appeal as a wide receiver who can be trusted to make plays when the ball is thrown his way.
One of the most appealing aspects of Martin’s game is his work ethic and commitment to improving. His freshman season at Cal provided him with valuable experience and a chance to refine his skills. As he transitions to Oklahoma, he will undoubtedly work hard to improve his technical abilities and continue developing his physicality. Whether it’s improving his route running, learning to fight through contact, or refining his hands and ball skills, Martin is a player with immense upside and a strong drive to be successful.
What Martin Brings to Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s offense will benefit greatly from Josiah Martin’s addition. While the Sooners already have several talented wide receivers on the roster, Martin brings something that will make the offense more dynamic – versatility. His ability to impact the game both as a receiver and a ball carrier will give Jeff Lebby additional options when scheming for opposing defenses. Whether used as a primary option in the passing game, a secondary threat, or as a gadget player in the run game, Martin’s presence will keep defensive coordinators guessing.
Additionally, Martin’s size and ability to make plays in contested situations add a different dimension to Oklahoma’s receiving corps. With a group that already features speed and explosiveness, Martin’s physicality and ability to win in the air will make him a valuable asset in red zone situations. His skill set complements that of Oklahoma’s other receivers, giving the Sooners a well-rounded group that can attack defenses in multiple ways.
Beyond his physical attributes, Martin’s mindset and approach to the game will also be an asset to Oklahoma. He comes to the program with a hunger to improve and prove himself at a higher level, and that type of mentality is one that fits well within the culture that Venables is building at Oklahoma. His work ethic, commitment to excellence, and willingness to put in the time to become a more complete player will resonate within the locker room, especially as he competes alongside some of the best talent in college football.
