During National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep. 15-Oct. 15), two Colorado Buffaloes have been standing out with their play.
Wide receiver Joseph Williams and linebacker Tyler Martinez have been named to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The award is in its second year, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza winning the inaugural season (2025-26).
Colorado has a candidate on each side of the ball, and both are showing their pride.
Offensively, wide receiver Joseph Williams is leading the team in receiving yards and has been a standout for the Buffs. He’s recorded 22 receptions for 361 yards and four touchdowns. He’d also shown his ability to throw, completing one pass for 49 yards.
“That's huge. My mom, she almost cried when she heard about that,” Williams said. “She just loves things like that. She was just so happy to see me get that recognition.”
Williams is biracial, a mix of African-American and Mexican, and has a unique sense of identity on the football team. His ability to connect with others in the locker room has strengthened the team bond. He shares part of that Mexican heritage with his teammate, Martinez.
“I think it’s awesome [being on the watch list]. Being from New Mexico, there aren’t too many guys that came out of there,” Martinez said. “I think that’s a big thing for me; I carry that with pride. Every time I go out there, I’m putting on for my people back home, people in my heritage.”
While Martinez suffered a lower-leg injury on Saturday that required surgery, he was a pivotal part of the defense. In his four games, he recorded 17 total tackles (fifth on the team) and a sack.
Although he is out indefinitely, his leadership and locker-room contributions will remain. Martinez has helped shape the defense's identity, and his teammates will miss his presence on the field. Martinez likely won’t finish as a finalist for the award, but Williams is still on a steady track.
However, this month, the Buffs' Hispanic excellence among team leaders deserves recognition.
Players Mentioned
