BYU junior running back LJ Martin concluded a standout 2025 season with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, a performance that earned him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. The El Paso native, who previously earned the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP title, has solidified his role as a central figure for the Cougars' offense.
Statistical Breakdown of 2025 Season
Martin's 2025 campaign was marked by consistent production across various matchups. According to statistics from cfbstats.com, the 220-pound back averaged 5.53 yards per carry over 13 games. His versatility was evident as he accumulated 1,305 total rushing yards, including 669 yards on the road or at neutral sites and 636 yards at home.
Conference and Ranked Performance
The junior's scoring output was particularly impactful in conference play. Martin recorded 11 rushing touchdowns during his 10 conference games, averaging 19.60 yards per game against conference opponents. His ability to perform in high-stakes environments was further highlighted by his 2 touchdowns against ranked AP opponents, where he averaged 19.00 yards per game.
Historical Context from 2024
Martin's success in 2025 follows a highly productive 2024 season where he served as a multi-purpose threat. As reported by cfbstats.com, Martin finished the 2024 season with 816 total all-purpose yards across 10 games. This total included 718 rushing yards and 98 receiving yards.
Multi-Purpose Versatility
During that 2024 campaign, Martin demonstrated his utility in the return game and as a receiver. He recorded 33 receiving yards and 147 total all-purpose yards in various split scenarios. His 2024 season also included significant production in October, where he averaged 106.00 all-purpose yards per game.
High School Career and Recruitment
Before his collegiate success at BYU, Martin was a highly recruited prospect out of Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas. He was rated a three-star prospect by 247sports and ranked as the No. 37 running back prospect in the nation. During his high school career, Martin was a prolific scorer, rushing for 2,137 yards and 23 touchdowns during his senior year in 2022.
Texas High School Legacy
Martin's high school accolades include being named the 2022 5A MVP and a 2021 TSWA Class 5A First-Team All-State selection. His junior season in 2021 saw him record 2,737 rushing yards, 376 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns, while also contributing through the air and on special teams with two passing touchdowns and a kickoff return touchdown.
Personal Background and Future Goals
A junior at BYU, Martin is currently working toward a major in biomechanics. He comes from a family of athletes; his father, John, played basketball at Western New Mexico, and his mother, Genevieve, played softball at the same institution. His uncle, Will Martin, played football at New Mexico.
