LJ MARTIN #4 - RUNNING BACK - BYU COUGARS
1305  YDS  •
236  ATT  •
12  TD 
#4 - RUNNING BACK - BYU COUGARS
1305 YDS
236 ATT
12 TD
COLLEGE FOOTBALL > BYU COUGARS >

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GAME LOG

BYU overpowers Portland State 69-0 behind potent running game

Bear Bachmeier threw for three touchdowns and ran for two others to lead BYU to a 69-0 victory over Portland State in his collegiate debut on Saturday night
AUGUST 31, 2025 • Associated Press

BYU opens 10th season under coach Kalani Sitake against FCS Portland State

BYU hosts Portland State in the Cougars' season opener on August 30th at LaVell Edwards Stadium
AUGUST 28, 2025 • Associated Press
His initials stand for 'Little John,' but BYU running back LJ Martin plans to come up big in 2025 football season With seasoned starting QB Jake Retzlaff leaving BYU and walking on at Tulane, LJ Martin and other offensive stars will have to step up for B...
JULY 25, 2025 • DESERET.COM

BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoids comment on QB Jake Retzlaff's status amid transfer rumors

BYU coach Kalani Sitake is not directly addressing the status of Jake Retzlaff amid reports that the quarterback is transferring after being accused of sexual assault in a civil la...
JULY 8, 2025 • Associated Press

Rodriguez and Frost new to Big 12 in reunions with schools they won with in different leagues

Rich Rodriguez and Scott Frost are new to the Big 12 Conference
APRIL 29, 2025 • Associated Press
Scores twice vs. Buffs Martin recorded 17 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns and caught 2 of 3 targets for 33 yards during Saturday's 36-14 win over Colorado.
Impact Martin found the end zone twice for the second time this season, helping to carry a struggling passing offense in the win over Colorado. The tailback had a career year in 2024, tallying 723 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 5.2 yards-per-carry. The true sophomore has the inside track to BYU's top tailback spot in 2025.
JANUARY 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE
Loogs 87 rishing yards in win Martin recorded 22 rushes for 87 yards and hauled in 1 of 3 targets for nine yards during Saturday's 30-18 victory against Houston.
Impact Although Houston was able to squash BYU's passing attack, they fared poorly against the run, and Martin took advantage with steady success throughout the game. Martin's sophomore season was a success with seven total touchdowns and 695 yards of total offense, out-dueling Hinckley Ropati as the top producer in the backfield this season. Ropati was out with an undisclosed in jury against Houston, which is one reason why Martin carried the ball 11 times, Assuming both backs are healthy, they'll form a dynamic duo in BYU's upcoming bowl appearance.
DECEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Scores but mostly contained in loss Martin posted nine rushes for 42 yards and gathered in their only target for zero yards during Saturday's 28-23 loss against Arizona State.
Impact The Sun Devils' defense was effective in shutting down BYU's running game, forcing the Cougars to drive the offense through the air. Martin recorded his worst rushing total since his 20-yard performance against SMU in Week 2, and he'll need to rebound to balance out the offense next week against Houston.
NOVEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Logs 76 rushng yards in loss Martin totaled 15 carries for 76 yards and reeled in their only target for one yard during Saturday's 17-13 defeat to Kansas.
Impact Martin was fairly productive against Kansas' defense, but itboth teams had difficulty finding the end zone, and the outcome was dependent on which defense made the most stops. Martin gis still the clear leader in the backfield behind Hinckley Ropati and his floor is pretty consistent.
NOVEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Posts 68 rushing yards Martin accrued 11 carries for 68 yards and gathered in 0 of 2 targets for zero yards during Saturday's 22-21 win over Utah.
Impact Utah's defense kept BYU's offense in check for most of the game, but Martin helped his team move the bal to get them into position for a late field goal. Martin and Hinckley Ropati hold down the backfield for BYU, and MArtin gis on pace to exceed his totals from his freshman season.
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Breaks 100-yard barrier in win Martin notched 15 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown and reeled in 1 of 3 targets for two yards during Saturday's 37-24 win against UCF.
Impact Martin is the clear leader of BYU's rushing attack, but Hinckley Ropati's return could curtail Martin's production somewhat. For the moment, Ropati is the presumed backup and Martin's role is safe moving forward.
OCTOBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Rushes for two scores Martin logged 20 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns and hauled in 0 of 1 targets for zero yards during Friday's 38-35 win against Oklahoma State.
Impact Martin ran with relative ease against the Cowboys and logged his best performance of the season by a wide margin. The sophomore has gradually taken over and cemented the bell-cow back role for the Cougars. Over four games played, Martin has 256 yards and four touchdowns, accompanied by two receiving touchdowns.
OCTOBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Returns with solid game Martin compiled 11 rushes for 49 yards and one touchdown and caught all three targets for 46 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 41-19 win over Arizona.
Impact Martin was sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury, but the sophomore returned to action against Arizona and picked up where he left off. Luckily, the Cougars had enough depth to account for the loss, but Martin should resume a regular role in the backfield, splitting carries with Hinckley Ropati.
OCTOBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Parker Kingston finds LJ Martin on a 33-yard touchdown pass, giving BYU a 14-7 lead over Arizona

Parker Kingston finds LJ Martin on a 33-yard touchdown pass, giving BYU a 14-7 lead over Arizona
OCTOBER 12, 2024 • FOX SPORTS
Great week of practice Martin (ankle) has had a great week of practice and should be ready for Saturday's game against Arizona, Sean Walker of KSL.com reports.
Impact Martin hasn't played in an outing since Week 2 against SMU, but he should see his return as BYU takes on the Wildcats. The sophomore running back has 18 attempts for 87 yards and one touchdown across two games this season.
OCTOBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Available against Arizona Martin (ankle) will be available for the Cougars against Arizona on Oct. 12, Jay Drew of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Martin has missed the previous three games after rushing for a combined 87 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries in Week 1 and Week 2. The tailback is now slated to make his return against the Wildcats and should resume his role as one of the top backs in this backfield.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Targeting return vs. Arizona Martin (ankle) is targeting a potential return for the Oct. 12 contest against Arizona, Mitch Harper of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
Impact Martin is out of Saturday's game against Baylor, but the team will aim to use the bye week to get the running back healthy. Martin's return would provide a huge boost to BYU's rushing attack, as he's logged 18 carries for 87 yards and a score in the two games he's played in 2024.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Inactive Saturday Martin (ankle) will not appear in Saturday's game against Kansas State, BYU announcer Greg Wrubell reports.
Impact Martin will miss his second-consecutive game as the result of an ankle injury. The 6-foot-2 sophomore, who went down during BYU's Week 2 matchup with SMU, will have his next chance to return Sept. 28, against Baylor.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Deemed doubtful Saturday Martin (ankle) is considered doubtful ahead of Saturday's game versus Kansas State, Pete Thamel of ESPN.com reports.
Impact It was reported that Martin had a "chance" to play earlier this week, but it seems more likely that the sophomore will miss a second straight game. After a strong freshman campaign, the 6-foot-2 Martin's logged 87 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in two contests this year. With both Martin and Hinckley Ropati (undisclosed) listed as doubtful, the Cougars will likely lean on Miles Davis against Kansas State.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
'Chance' to play vs. K-State Martin has a 'chance' to play against Kansas State on Saturday per head coach Kilani Sitake, Jay Drew of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Martin played in the Cougars' first two games but missed Week 3 against Wyoming. He's tallied 18 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown this season, as well as a seven-yard touchdown reception. It doesn't sound all that likely that he'll return in Week 4, but his head coach leaving the door open is a good sign all things considered.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Will not play vs. Wyoming Coach Aaron Roderick indicated Wednesday that Martin (ankle) will not play in Saturday's matchup against Wyoming, Jay Drew of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Martin was forced to exit the game early with an ankle injury and is set to miss this week's contest along with fellow running back Hinckley Ropati. Miles Davis is likely to see an expanded role. The sophomore running back will aim to be ready for next week's home game against Kansas State.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Described as doubtful Martin was described as doubtful by head coach Kalani Sitake for BYU's matchup with Wyoming on Saturday, Mitch Harper of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
Impact Martin ran the ball 13 times in the opener, but his involvement was limited against SMU with just five carries as he left the game with an ankle injury. It appears that ailment will carry over into Week 3, as the tailback looks unlikely to suit up against Wyoming. In his stead, Hinckley Ropati and Miles Davis should spearhead the Cougars backfield.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Described as doubtful Martin was described as doubtful by head coach Kalani Sitake for BYU's matchup with Wyoming on Saturday, Mitch Harper of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
Impact Martin ran the ball 13 times in the opener, but his involvement was limited against SMU with just five carries as he left the game with an ankle injury. It appears that ailment will carry over into Week 3, as the tailback looks unlikely to suit up against Wyoming. In his stead, Hinckley Ropati and Miles Davis should spearhead the Cougars backfield.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Won't return Friday Martin (ankle) won't return in the game versus SMU Friday, Jarom Jordan of BYUsportsnation reports.
Impact With Martin out it'll be backup Hinckley Ropati taking the majority of the snaps. It's unknown how serious Martin's injury is.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Limps off field Martin (ankle) was seen limping off the field mid-game versus SMU, Mitch Harper of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
Impact Martin entered the medical tent shortly after leaving the field. If Martin's injury ends up being signifcant look for Hinckley Ropati and Miles Davis to get more work.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
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