BYU’s injury picture got a little clearer Monday, and it still leaves the Cougars with some uncertainty heading into Friday night’s game against Iowa State.
Kalani Sitake said running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker are both “probably doubtful” after leaving the TCU game with injuries and not returning. That puts two of BYU’s most important players on shaky ground with the Cyclones coming up next.
Martin’s absence was felt immediately against TCU, where BYU had trouble getting the offense moving. Last season, when Martin was hurt, the Cougars leaned on Bear Bachmeier’s arm to keep the attack afloat.
Against TCU, the weather made that tougher than usual, but Friday’s forecast is expected to be perfect. If BYU is going to get past Iowa State without Martin, Bachmeier will need a better night throwing the ball.
If Martin can’t go, BYU’s backfield would likely continue to feature Preston Rex and Journee Tonga. Tonga is a true freshman who joined the program just before Fall Camp, and his workload could jump quickly if Martin sits. The Cougars could also turn to fellow true freshman Devaughn Eka, who has looked good in limited chances.
The hope, if Martin misses this week, is that he can return for a possible top 10 matchup against Notre Dame the following week.
Glasker’s status matters just as much on the other side of the ball. He’s a key part of BYU’s defense, but the linebacker room has been the deepest unit on the roster.
Even with Glasker out against TCU, the Cougars held up thanks to reserves Jake Clifton and Miles Hall. If Glasker remains sidelined, those two will again be asked to carry a major load for Kelly Poppinga’s defense.
There could be help coming at linebacker, too. Kelly Poppinga said on Coordinator’s Corner that Siale Esera is expected back this week.
Sitake also called starting nickel and punt returner Cannon DeVries “probable” for Friday’s game. That matters on defense, but it may matter even more in the return game.
DeVries has been steady and smart on punts, which is exactly what BYU needs after backup returner Tiger Bachmeier had a few risky moments against TCU, including one play where he let a punt drop beside his leg. BYU was fortunate that the ball didn’t bounce off him and hand TCU the ball deep in Cougars territory.
The bigger picture is hard to miss: BYU is already dealing with a growing injury list, with six starters missing time through just four games. For a roster that’s supposed to be the deepest BYU has had in the Big 12 era, that depth is getting tested fast.
In Other News...
BYU-Notre Dame Just Became An Even Bigger Provo Event
BYUs October 17 showdown with Notre Dame already had the feel of a major moment, and the stage only got bigger with the latest details. The game is set for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time at LaVell Edwards Stadium and will air on ABC, giving Provo a prime-time backdrop for a matchup between two undefeated teams both sitting inside the AP Top 10.
Its the first time the Irish and Cougars will meet in Provo with both programs ranked that high, which gives the night an added layer of weight beyond the usual nonconference intrigue. The meeting also fits into a two-game series, with BYU heading to Notre Dame in 2027, but for now the focus is on a rare ranked-on-ranked collision that should make October in Provo feel even bigger. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Looks Even More Dangerous Heading Into A Major UCF Test
BYUs upcoming trip to UCF is getting more attention after the Cougars kept showing up in the kind of games that make a September schedule feel heavier by the week. TCU pushed BYU all the way in a close loss, a result that adds to the sense that the Cougars are already battle-tested before they head to Orlando, especially with the numbers pointing to a team that can move the ball and avoid the kinds of mistakes that swing tight games.
Around the league, the teams on UCFs 2026 slate have offered their own snapshots of what the Knights may be walking into. Pittsburgh beat Virginia Tech even after losing starting quarterback Mason Heintschel to a torn ACL, while Baylor rolled past Arizona State in a more convincing showing, but BYUs combination of recent results, rankings and discipline in the key areas is what now gives this matchup its most interesting edge. [Read more 🡒]
BYU's TCU Win Came With A Concern Fans Can't Ignore
BYUs 17-10 win over TCU kept the Cougars unbeaten and reinforced the early momentum around a team that has opened 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play. It was the kind of conference road result that can matter in October just as much as September, especially for a program trying to prove it can stack wins in its first stretch of league play.
Kalani Sitake had plenty to like in the aftermath, but the health of the roster lingered as the bigger concern. Several players came out of the game nicked up, including LJ Martin, Isaiah Glasker and Cannon DeVries, and BYU now turns its attention to a home game against Iowa State with the reality that the next step forward may depend as much on availability as on performance. [Read more 🡒]