BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick expressed confidence in the Cougars' ability to operate without star running back LJ Martin for Friday's matchup against Iowa State at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the year, is reportedly sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower body injury sustained during the team's 17-10 victory over TCU on Oct. 3, 2026.
Impact on Offensive Strategy
The loss of Martin, who left the TCU game midway through the first quarter, presents a significant challenge for the No. 8 BYU offense. During that game, Martin was seen communicating with trainers while testing his ankle during timeouts before returning to the field in street clothes for the final 30 minutes, as reported by the Herald-Review.
While the exact nature of the injury remains undisclosed, the projected four-to-six-week recovery window forces BYU to rely on a rotation of depth players. The Cougars' coaching staff must now determine how to replace the presence of a player who often forces defenses to center their entire game plans around stopping him. This shift may necessitate a more pass-heavy approach to compensate for the loss of Martin's rushing dominance.
The Running Back Committee
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick addressed the team's outlook this week, stating, "I have a lot of confidence in this offense, even without LJ Martin."
To manage the running back position, Roderick will likely employ a committee approach featuring Preston Rex, a converted safety, alongside freshmen Journee Tonga and DeVaughn Eka. Head coach Kalani Sitake previously noted that while losing both the first and second running backs is not ideal, the program has worked to narrow the talent gap between the starting unit and the depth players.
Sitake also expressed confidence in the roster's depth, highlighting junior Lucky Finau and freshman Logan Payne as additional contributors who can step into the rotation.
Historical Context and Depth
The current injury crisis follows a period where BYU has successfully navigated absences from Martin. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the Cougars played five games without Martin and won all four instances during that span.
In 2024, BYU secured victories at Wyoming (34-14), against No. 13 Kansas State (38-9), and at Baylor (34-28) while Martin was sidelined due to a high ankle sprain. In 2025, the team also won a 41-27 victory over Iowa State when Martin left the game early due to a shoulder injury. That previous shoulder injury eventually required surgery following the regular season, though it only caused him to miss the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a game BYU won 25-21.
However, the current situation is compounded by the status of other key players. As reported by the Herald-Review on Oct. 5, 2026, linebacker Isaiah Glasker was also considered doubtful for the Iowa State game after landing awkwardly on his hip during the TCU game. While defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga indicated Glasker's injury was not season-ending, the linebacker was expected to be out for several weeks.
Preparing for the Big 12 Race
The matchup against Iowa State on Friday night at 8:15 p.m. MST carries significant weight for the Cougars' Big 12 race. While BYU enters the game as a favorite, the absence of Martin and the potential absence of RB2 Sione Moa—who is also reportedly injured and potentially out for the season—places immense pressure on the offensive unit.
Beyond the running game, the team's efficiency in the passing game remains a point of focus. While BYU has been efficient, their passing numbers are currently among the lowest in the country. The ability of quarterback Bear Bachmeier to connect with targets like tight ends and freshman speedster Legend Glasker will be critical as the team adapts to a new offensive rhythm.
Game Details
The upcoming game at LaVell Edwards Stadium will be broadcast live on ESPN. The Cougars will look to maintain their momentum in the Big 12 standings despite the significant personnel shifts in their backfield.
Upcoming Schedule
BYU's upcoming schedule also includes a highly anticipated game against Notre Dame on Oct. 17, which is scheduled to be played at 5:30 p.m. MST and broadcast on ABC.
