During the 2022 season, Martinez had a stellar freshman year. Martinez had a slow start to the first seven games of the year rushing for 340 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries.[5] However, in Martinez eighth game he broke out rushing for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries in a win over Colorado.[6] For his performance against Colorado, Martinez was named the Pac-12 freshman of the week.[7] Martinez would win the Pac-12 freshman of the week two more times, one against Arizona State on November 21, after rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns,[8] and again against Oregon after getting 15 carries for 103 yards in a 38–34 win in a rivalry game.[9] On the year Martinez would rush for 982 yards, and seven touchdowns, on 162 carries. He also caught 4 passes for 61 yards through the air.[10] For his efforts on the year Martinez earned multiple achievements. He won the Pac-12 Freshman of the year and was named first-team All-Pac 12.[11][12][13] He was also named Freshman All-Americans by College Football News.[14]