Aaron Roderick Named Broyles Award Semifinalist as BYU Offense Soars into Big 12 Title Game
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - BYU’s offensive explosion this season hasn’t gone unnoticed-and neither has the man behind the playbook. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Aaron Roderick has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Broyles Award, an honor reserved for the top assistant coach in college football.
And if you’ve been watching the No. 11 Cougars this season, it’s easy to see why.
Roderick, in his seventh year at BYU and fourth as the offensive coordinator, has orchestrated one of the most balanced and efficient attacks in the nation. The Cougars head into the Big 12 Championship Game with an 11-1 record, and their offense has been a driving force all year long.
Let’s break it down.
Balanced, Explosive, and Efficient
BYU ranks No. 16 nationally in ESPN’s efficiency index-a stat that captures how well a team maximizes its possessions-and that’s not just a number, it’s a reflection of a system that rarely wastes opportunities. The Cougars are churning out 194.5 rushing yards per game, good for 23rd in the country and second in the Big 12. They’ve punched in 30 rushing touchdowns, ranking 15th in the nation, and they’re averaging 34 points per game-third-best in the conference.
But maybe the most telling stat? Just 10 turnovers all season.
That’s tops in the Big 12. In other words, Roderick’s offense isn’t just explosive-it’s disciplined.
Bear Bachmeier: A Freshman Phenomenon
One of Roderick’s biggest achievements this year has been the development of true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who’s delivered one of the best debut seasons in BYU history. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound signal-caller from Murrieta, California, has shown poise well beyond his years.
Bachmeier completed 65% of his passes (208-of-322) for 2,593 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just four interceptions over 12 games. That’s a 144.1 passer efficiency rating, but his impact goes beyond the air. He’s also second on the team in rushing, logging 529 yards on 137 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns.
Those 11 rushing scores? That’s a new single-season record for a BYU quarterback, surpassing legends like Steve Young, Taysom Hill, and Zach Wilson.
Bachmeier has scored a rushing touchdown in nine of 11 games, and in seven of those, he’s added a passing TD as well. Only All-American Virgil Carter has done that more times in a single season in BYU history.
It’s no surprise he’s been named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award and has made the O’Brien Great 8 list twice. He’s also been the Big 12 Freshman Player of the Week seven times. Seven.
LJ Martin: The Workhorse Behind the Numbers
While Bachmeier has stolen headlines, junior running back LJ Martin has been the steady engine powering BYU’s ground game. A finalist for the Doak Walker Award and a strong candidate for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin led the conference in rushing yards (1,229), rushing yards per game (102.4), and all-purpose yards (1,453). He finished second in rushing touchdowns with 11.
Nationally, Martin ranks 10th in all-purpose yards, 12th in rushing yards, and 14th in rushing yards per game. He’s been recognized multiple times throughout the season, including four honorable mentions for the Earl Campbell-Rose Award and a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week nod after his performance in a 26-14 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 24.
Building NFL Talent
Roderick’s résumé goes beyond this season. Since joining BYU in 2018, he’s been instrumental in developing talent that’s made its way to the NFL.
That includes quarterbacks Zach Wilson (No. 2 overall pick in 2021), Jaren Hall, and Kedon Slovis. Wideouts like Dax Milne and All-Pro Puka Nakua also came through Roderick’s system, as did running backs Tyler Allgeier and Chris Brooks.
And let’s not forget the offensive linemen-four left tackles under Roderick’s watch have made it to the league: Brady Christensen, Blake Freeland, Kingsley Suamataia, and Caleb Etienne.
A Spot Among the Best
The Broyles Award has been honoring the best assistant coaches in college football since 1996. This year’s semifinalist list was whittled down from 63 candidates representing 131 FBS programs, and Roderick’s inclusion puts him among the elite in the sport.
The winner will be announced at the 30th Annual Broyles Award Ceremony on Feb. 12, 2026, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
For now, Roderick has a championship game to prepare for. But make no mistake-what he’s built in Provo this season is already championship-caliber.