Damien Martinez staying at Oregon State, felt 'lied to' by Jonathan Smith

There are a lot of changes coming to Corvallis.

But the Oregon State Beavers football program has a rock-solid future at running back.

After posting a somewhat cryptic Twitter/X message on social media, Oregon State star running back Damien Martinez told SBLive Sports that he is certain he will be back next season.

As a sophomore, the bruising 6-foot, 232-pound back carried the ball 194 times for 1,185 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns. 

Martinez also indicated he felt coach Jonathan Smith was less-than-truthful about his future at Oregon State before accepting the head coaching job at Michigan State University.

That move, he said, didn't change his future with the Beavers football program.

"It didn’t affect me, because I felt lied to since he told me he was staying like not even a month ago," Martinez said.

As for why he'll remain in Corvallis for a third season, Martinez described a profound love of his college experience at Oregon State. 

Why is he staying?

"The fanbase and love of Oregon State," he said. "I also love Corvallis (because) of the area. It's just quiet and feels like me."

There's still a lot to be determined regarding the future of the Oregon State football program.

A conference. A coach. A schedule.

But the Beavers have a running back - and a really good one, at that.