Running back LJ Martin rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone during BYU's 41-23 victory over Colorado State on Sept. 19, 2026. The win, achieved at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado, propelled the Cougars into the national top 10.
The Cougars' offensive performance was highlighted by Martin's rapid scoring, which included a 56-yard touchdown run on the team's second play of the game. As the Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune reported, Martin's dominant first-half performance helped BYU secure a lead they maintained despite a late rally by Colorado State.
In addition to Martin's rushing success, true freshman Legend Glasker, a Lehi High graduate, recorded 131 receiving yards on five catches. According to the Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune, Glasker's performance was the fourth-best single-game mark by a BYU freshman, a feat previously reported by the Deseret News. One of Glasker's signature plays involved a 52-yard pass from quarterback Bear Bachmeier that the freshman caught with one hand.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 12 of 16 passes for 227 yards during the contest. The BYU offense amassed a total of 559 yards, including 332 rushing yards.
Glasker, who graduated early from Lehi High to enroll for spring practice, also contributed a 5-yard rushing touchdown. As the Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune noted, Glasker's performance follows a strong debut on Sept. 5 against Utah Tech, where he scored three touchdowns.
The game was marked by weather delays, as kickoff was pushed back 75 minutes due to rain and lightning. Despite the delay, BYU maintained control, leading 31-7 at halftime and 38-7 late in the third quarter.
Colorado State managed to score 16 points in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars ultimately secured the win. The victory improves BYU's 2026 season record to 3-0.
The win has significantly impacted the Cougars' standing in national rankings. According to BYUtv, the victory has moved BYU into the No. 9 spot in the national rankings.
Following this win, the Cougars enter a bye week. Their next scheduled game is against TCU on Oct. 3.
Glasker, the cousin of BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker, has become a key part of the 2026 rotation. During his senior year at Lehi High, he recorded 676 receiving yards, 206 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns.
The BYU victory was broadcast on BYUtv, featuring postgame interviews with players including LJ Martin, Legend Glasker, Bear Bachmeier, and Cannon DeVries.
The Cougars' win at Canvas Stadium continues a high-scoring season for the program under the direction of the coaching staff.
