LJ Martin, the standout running back for BYU, has decided to forgo the upcoming NFL draft and will return for his senior season in 2026. He made this announcement on Thursday through social media channels.
In the 2025 season, Martin was recognized as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, finishing with a conference-leading 1,305 rushing yards. He also scored 12 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His performance included six games where he surpassed the 100-yard mark, featuring an impressive 222-yard game against Cincinnati, 162 yards in a crucial double overtime victory at Arizona, and 122 yards against rival Utah.
Martin”s late-season performance was particularly noteworthy, as he managed to score seven of his 12 touchdowns in just the last four games. This included a spectacular three-touchdown game in the regular season finale against UCF. Remarkably, he accomplished this while battling through a shoulder injury sustained in late October. Aside from his absence in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he played in every game, with the injury only causing one early exit.
Since joining the Cougars in 2023, Martin has accumulated a total of 2,939 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns over 33 games. The Texas native currently ranks ninth on BYU”s all-time rushing list with 2,541 yards. To break the record held by Jamaal Williams, he will need to rush for an additional 1,361 yards in his senior year.
In addition to Martin”s return, several other key players from BYU, including quarterback Bear Bachmeier, wide receiver Parker Kingston, and safety Faletau Satuala, have also confirmed they will be back for the 2026 season.
