LJ Martin’s Senior Day Sends a Message: BYU Star May Be NFL-Bound After Dominant Season
Amid the buzz of BYU’s 41-21 win over UCF and the swirling debate over whether the 11-1 Cougars deserve a College Football Playoff berth, something significant happened that could reshape next year’s roster. Star running back LJ Martin, a junior with one year of eligibility left, took part in Senior Day festivities-a clear signal that he’s seriously considering declaring for the NFL Draft.
And if Saturday was his final home game at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Martin made sure it was one to remember.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound back from El Paso, Texas, became the first Cougar to rush for three touchdowns in a single game since Tyler Allgeier did it in 2021. It was a performance that didn’t just help seal BYU’s 11th win-it also cemented Martin’s status as one of the most impactful backs in the country this season.
When asked why he chose to be honored on Senior Day despite being a junior, Martin was candid: “Yeah, just the feedback I’ve gotten … from coaches and stuff, so yeah. It was just suggested,” he said. That’s as close as you’ll get to a player tipping his hand before draft declarations become official.
A Season Worthy of NFL Attention
Martin’s numbers this season speak for themselves: 1,229 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 29 receptions for 224 yards. It’s the kind of all-purpose production that gets NFL scouts circling. Earlier this week, draft analyst Todd McShay projected Martin as one of the top five running backs in the 2026 draft class-if he decides to make the leap early.
He’s also a serious contender for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, which will be announced ahead of BYU’s Big 12 Championship Game showdown against No. 5 Texas Tech. That rematch, set for Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, gives Martin one more chance to make a statement on a big stage.
More Than Just Martin: Other Cougars Honored
Martin wasn’t the only underclassman to take part in Senior Day. Linebacker Isaiah Glasker, defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, and punter Sam Vander Haar also walked.
Of that group, Glasker and Tanuvasa are both seen as NFL prospects. Vander Haar, a 28-year-old Aussie who transferred from Pitt two years ago, has likely wrapped up his college career.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has long encouraged players to explore their NFL options early and make the best decision for themselves. He’s not in the business of holding guys back.
“We are going to do what’s best for them,” Sitake said. “What’s best for them is to make sure that we give them a farewell, rather than not get it covered (if they leave early).
Chase [Roberts] did the same thing last year, and Mory [Bamba] did it, too. So we just want to make sure that we took care of them, that they had a farewell senior game … and a chance to get two blankets.”
That farewell blanket tradition might seem symbolic, but it reflects BYU’s player-first culture-a program that understands the business side of football while still honoring the emotional ties players form with the school and fans.
Martin’s Final Stretch?
If Saturday was Martin’s curtain call at LaVell Edwards Stadium, he went out in style. A week after torching Cincinnati for a career-high 222 yards, Martin followed it up with 95 yards on 22 carries against UCF, along with five receptions for 35 yards. It was a showcase of his versatility-tough between the tackles, smooth catching out of the backfield, and always aware in pass protection.
Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who’s been growing into his role, knows just how valuable Martin has been.
“It has been awesome (playing with Martin),” Bachmeier said. “He’s another set of eyes in the backfield… Sometimes he will alert me on some pressures. Yeah, it has been great.”
Martin’s leadership and football IQ have been just as important as his production. He’s not just a playmaker-he’s a stabilizer, a veteran presence who makes everyone around him better.
Now sitting at 13th on BYU’s all-time rushing touchdowns list with 22, Martin passed names like Eric Lane, Lopini Katoa, and Jeff Blanc. But true to form, Martin deflected the credit.
“I am more focused on wins and losses,” he said. “I just want to make the most I can with my opportunities that I have been given and I am just glad that is being done and I think it is a cool stat for the O-line. They are moving guys and getting the job done.”
That’s been Martin all year-humble, focused, and relentless.
Redemption Shot vs. Texas Tech
The last time BYU faced Texas Tech, it wasn’t pretty. Martin was coming off a shoulder injury and was limited to just 35 rushing yards. The Cougars fell 29-7 in one of their most underwhelming performances of the season.
Now, with a Big 12 title on the line, the rematch offers a shot at redemption-for Martin and the team.
“We are pretty excited (to face TT again),” Martin said. “We felt like it wasn’t our best showing, so to be able to go back out there and try to compete again and do our best, we feel like it is going to be a great opportunity and we need to go out there and be prepared.”
Whether Saturday’s game is Martin’s last in a BYU uniform or not, he’s already left a lasting legacy. If he does declare for the draft, he’ll do so having helped lead BYU to its first 11-win regular season since 2001 and with his name etched into the program’s record books.
And if he returns? Well, the Cougars would gladly welcome back one of the most complete backs in the country.
Either way, LJ Martin’s future is bright-and the NFL is watching.