LJ Martin has become a cornerstone of the BYU Cougars offense, topping the team’s rushing yards in each of the past three seasons and setting the stage for a potential historic milestone in 2026.
A Milestone on the Horizon
To surpass Jamaal Williams as the university’s all‑time leading rusher, Martin must add 1,360 yards to his career total. His consistency has already placed him ninth in BYU’s program history with more than 2,500 rushing yards accumulated from 2023 through 2025.
The 2025 campaign was particularly impressive, as Martin averaged over 100 rushing yards per game, underscoring his ability to maintain production year after year.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s development has added a new dimension to the offense, providing the kind of stability that could allow Martin to reach his targets without interruption.
Running backs coach Harvey Unga has publicly urged Martin to chase the record, emphasizing that the milestone would cement his legacy in Provo.
Martin himself remains focused on delivering his best performance each week, stating that the record is a byproduct of his preparation rather than the sole objective.
Health and availability will be critical; any injury could derail the pursuit of the fourth straight rushing title, a feat that would place him among the most durable backs in college football history.
Beyond personal accolades, Martin’s resurgence is seen as a catalyst for the Cougars’ ambitions to contend for the Big 12 title game, a goal that the program has chased for several seasons.