The father of Penn State running back Quinton Martin is not happy with his son’s lack of carries. He also expressed his frustration with the performance of quarterback Rocco Becht and head coach Matt Campbell.
It is probably in the best interest of his son and the program to keep his fingers away from the keyboard.
Never has it been a good idea for a college football player’s family to vocalize their frustrations on social media. This is just the latest example.
Who is Quinton Martin?
There are two answers to this question. Quinton Martin Jr. is the son of Quinton Martin Sr. They are both relevant to this story.
Martin Jr. was a four-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2024 out of Belle Vernon High School. The Pennsylvania-native committed to Penn State over Florida State, Kentucky, Miami and Michigan, among others.
The first three years of his career have been underwhelming, thus far. Martin Jr. totaled only 33 carries in 2024 and 2025. He ran for 160 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries through the first six games of 2026. The breakdown looks like this:
- vs. Marshall — 10 carries
- vs. Buffalo — 10 carries
- vs. Wisconsin — 10 carries
- at Northwestern — 3 carries
- vs. USC — 0 carries
- at Michigan — 2 carries
Penn State’s Fansided affiliate wrote the following article after the loss to the Trojans:
Martin Sr. responded back to the haters in the comment section to explain his son’s lack of touches in 2024 and 2025.
“He didn’t get the opportunity to play his first two years because Nick&Fatman was the starters. Two NFL running back, then when they leave a brand new coach comes with his own recruits, check the stats, the work is in the numbers dude”
He also called for an increased role for Martin Jr. as the season continues. He wants everyone to know that he is not bias!
That only begins to scratch the surface of Martin Sr.’s social media diatribe. And it goes beyond the run game!
Rocco Becht and Matt Campbell also drew strong criticism.
The post that went most viral on social media has since been deleted. Quinton Martin Sr. took aim at Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht, who transferred from Iowa State during the offseason.
“This kid is just not good, 5yrs in college and he tries to throw to the far hash, he doesn’t have the arm strength, the height(why alot of his throws get batted down at the line)and sad to say doesn’t have the IQ. He just isn’t it. Oh and BTW my son only got 2 carries yesterday…”
This was after he already raised his concerns about Campbell earlier in the week.
“It’s a Iowa State players and HIS recruits that he’s trying to lean on , they will not get a win anytime soon as long as those players are out there because the majority of them can’t compete”
Martin Sr. also stood in defense of Martin Jr. The father made reference to his son’s breakout performance during the bowl game last season and called for him to enter the transfer portal.
“he isn’t good? How about the first game he gets to actually show case his skills in a bowl game he hits 100yards? Follow by another 100yard game . The only RB to hit that mark since Singleton & Allen. I pray that he decides to hit the portal.”
He made very clear that money has nothing to do with it.
“Any money that my son makes is his. I don’t worry about money, us Martins don’t focus on money. I can clearly see where your mind set is at 😂 it’s about legacy and the mission. Let that sink in”
It will be interesting to see what happens with Martin Jr. over the next few weeks. Campbell may or may not know about his father’s rant on social media. The head coach may or may not care. Perhaps he will give him more carries. Perhaps not. Either way, it sounds like Martin Sr. would like his son to play elsewhere next season.