BYU's LJ Martin Returns for Senior Season Chasing Rushing Record

Reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year aims to improve NFL Draft stock with one more year at BYU.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:03am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a BYU football player in motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and gold colors, conveying the raw athleticism and determination of the player.A fractured, geometric illustration captures the explosive energy of BYU's star running back as he aims to rewrite the school's record books.Provo Today

BYU senior running back LJ Martin has decided to return to the Cougars for his final season of college football, forgoing a potential jump to the NFL. Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, is now within striking distance of BYU's career rushing record held by Jamaal Williams. Though Martin says the record isn't his main focus, his offensive line is determined to help him reach that milestone before he departs.

Why it matters

Martin's decision to return to BYU for his senior season is a significant boost for the Cougars, who are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign. As one of the top running backs in the country, Martin's presence gives BYU an elite offensive weapon and increases their chances of contending for a major bowl game or potential playoff berth. Additionally, Martin's pursuit of the school's career rushing record adds an exciting individual storyline to the upcoming season.

The details

After undergoing late-season shoulder surgery, Martin had to weigh his options for the future. Rather than entering the 2026 NFL Draft, he ultimately decided to return to BYU for one more year. Martin cited advice from others, as well as his desire to potentially hear his name called early in the draft, as factors in his decision. The senior running back is now just 1,360 yards shy of matching Jamaal Williams' BYU career rushing record of 3,901 yards.

  • Martin underwent late-season shoulder surgery in 2025.
  • Martin announced his decision to return to BYU for the 2026 season in April 2026.

The players

LJ Martin

A senior running back at BYU who was the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Martin is now within striking distance of the school's career rushing record.

Jamaal Williams

The former BYU running back who holds the school's career rushing record with 3,901 yards.

Bruce Mitchell

A redshirt senior offensive lineman at BYU who is aware of Martin's proximity to the school's rushing record.

Andrew Gentry

A redshirt senior offensive lineman at BYU who is determined to help Martin reach the school's rushing record.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, just between my surgery, other outlying factors and just advice from other people, I just felt like this was the best decision to come back and just, you know, just give it one last go.”

— LJ Martin, BYU Senior Running Back

“I always just dreamt of when you get drafted, you're out there. You're in the green room, you know, and I want to be able to walk out. So, I feel like just giving myself that possibility, you know, that'd be something worth coming back.”

— LJ Martin, BYU Senior Running Back

“We want to get him that record, obviously. LJ deserves it more than any dude in the world and a lot of that's on us to make sure that he gets there.”

— Andrew Gentry, BYU Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman

What’s next

Martin will look to break Jamaal Williams' BYU career rushing record of 3,901 yards during the 2026 season. His performance and potential draft stock will be closely monitored by NFL scouts throughout the year.

The takeaway

LJ Martin's decision to return to BYU for his senior season demonstrates his commitment to both his college program and his professional aspirations. By chasing the school's career rushing record, Martin has the opportunity to cement his legacy at BYU while also improving his NFL Draft stock through one more year of elite college production.