LJ Martin Poised to Make BYU History in 2026

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 06: LJ Martin #4 of the BYU Cougars celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Big 12 Championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at AT&T Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When discussing the greatest running backs in BYU history, names like Jamaal Williams and Harvey Unga often dominate the conversation. However, current standout LJ Martin is on the verge of etching his name alongside these legends as he heads into the 2026 season. Martin made headlines early in his career when he switched from Stanford to BYU, a move that has become increasingly common among players.

Initially, Martin faced challenges, struggling with injuries during his freshman year in 2023, which limited him to 518 rushing yards without a single 100-yard game. His sophomore season in 2024 mirrored this pattern, as he missed several games due to injuries. Yet, he demonstrated his potential with impressive performances, including a 120-yard outing against Oklahoma State and a strong finish in the Alamo Bowl, where he rushed for 88 yards and scored twice.

The 2025 season marked a significant breakthrough for Martin. In his season opener against Portland State, he showcased his explosive talent by rushing for 131 yards on just eight carries, averaging an incredible 16.4 yards per carry. He continued this momentum with three consecutive 100-yard games, culminating in a spectacular 222-yard performance against Arizona. By the end of the season, Martin led the Big 12 with 1,305 rushing yards and earned the title of Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Despite opportunities to enter the NFL Draft or transfer to a more lucrative program, Martin opted to remain at BYU, setting the stage for a historic final season. With 2,541 rushing yards to date, he ranks ninth in the school's history. If he accumulates 915 yards this season, he will surpass Harvey Unga, and if he reaches 1,361 yards, he will claim the top spot, overtaking Jamaal Williams.

Martin's commitment to BYU during this era of player mobility speaks volumes about his dedication and impact on the program as they navigate their new Big 12 landscape. Should he remain healthy, his legacy as one of the premier running backs in BYU history appears all but assured.