LJ Martin, BYU's standout running back, announced that he will return for the 2026 season, giving the Cougars a major boost heading into next year.
A Record‑Setting Return
During the 2025 campaign Martin amassed 1,305 rushing yards on 236 carries, finding the end zone 12 times and earning the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year honor.
He is already on pace to challenge the school’s all‑time rushing record held by Jamaal Williams, a milestone that has heightened expectations among fans and analysts.
Video‑Game Rating and NFL Outlook
Martin’s 92 overall rating in the upcoming College Football 27 title places him among the elite, and he is currently projected as the seventh‑best running back eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Equally important to the offense is Bruce Mitchell, the team’s top offensive lineman, who earned First Team All‑Big 12 honors and is listed as the fourth‑best rated center in the same video game.
Mitchell’s presence is expected to protect Martin’s carries and open lanes, a dynamic that could be decisive as the Cougars aim to climb the Big 12 standings.
Continuity and Strategy
The return of both stars underscores a strategic focus on continuity, with the coaching staff emphasizing that their experience will shape the offensive identity moving forward.
Fans in Provo and across the state are eager to see how the duo will translate their collegiate success into a potential professional pathway.