LJ Martin Moves Into BYU’s Top-25 Rushing Yardage Leaders
2025 BYU football running back LJ Martin…
BYU vs. Portland State: Live Coverage, Breakdown, and More from Provo
Martin opened quickly, gaining 63 yards on just three attempts in the first quarter.
He averaged 16.4 yards per rush in the opening half, highlighted by a pair of runs over 40 yards, powering BYU to a commanding 42-0 lead at halftime.
Former Cougar running back Kalin Hall, the father of ex-quarterback Jaren Hall, began the day ranked 25th on BYU’s career rushing chart.
Profile: LJ Martin
Standing 6’2 and weighing 220 pounds, Martin was rated a three-star recruit. At Canutillo High School, he captured the 2025 5A MVP and led his team to a district title.
The El Paso, Texas, standout rushed for 4,874 yards with 52 touchdowns across his final two high school years. He also posted 15 receptions for 376 yards and six touchdowns, while adding two completions for 31 yards and one passing score.
Martin lettered in track as well and twice earned first-team all-district recognition.
He launched his BYU career by finishing as the team’s rushing leader as a true freshman, recording 109 carries for 518 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
In 2024, Martin was limited to ten contests but still placed tenth in the Big 12 with 723 rushing yards. His seven touchdowns ranked seventh in the conference.
Heading into 2025, Martin appears on the Doak Walker Award watchlist, given annually to the nation’s top running back, after receiving All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last season.
Martin’s father, John, played basketball at Western New Mexico, while his mother, Genevieve, competed in softball at the same school.
2025 BYU Football Schedule
Saturday, September 6 – Stanford Cardinal @ BYU Cougars | Kickoff 8:15 p.m. MT
BYE
Saturday, September 20 – BYU Cougars @ East Carolina Pirates | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, September 27 – BYU Cougars @ Colorado Buffaloes | Kickoff 8:15 p.m. MT
Friday, October 3 – West Virginia Mountaineers @ BYU Cougars | Kickoff 8:30 p.m. MT
Saturday, October 11 – BYU Cougars @ Arizona Wildcats | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, October 18 – Utah Utes @ BYU Cougars | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, October 25 – BYU Cougars @ Iowa State Cyclones | Kickoff TBA
BYE
Saturday, November 8 – BYU Cougars @ Texas Tech Red Raiders | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, November 15 – TCU Horned Frogs @ BYU Cougars | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, November 22 – BYU Cougars @ Cincinnati Bearcats | Kickoff TBA
Saturday, November 29 – UCF Knights @ BYU Cougars | Kickoff TBA
