BYU running back LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier have been named to the watch list for the 90th Maxwell Award. The award is presented annually by the Maxwell Football Club to the most outstanding player in college football.
BYU is one of only 16 schools to have at least two student-athletes included on the watch list, which consists of 81 players, including 15 from the Big 12 Conference.
LJ Martin, a senior running back from El Paso, Texas, was named the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. During the 2025 season, Martin rushed for 1,305 yards, which ranked 11th nationally. His 100.38 yards per game average ranked 12th in the nation, and his total yardage was the seventh-most in school history for a single season.
Martin also received Pro Football Network second-team All-America honors and was named All-Big 12 by Pro Football Network, Pro Football Focus, and Sports Info Solutions. He was also a semifinalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
Sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier, from Murrieta, California, was also named to the watch list. Bachmeier earned the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Award and was named Big 12 Honorable Mention. During the 2025 season, he completed 251 of 387 passes for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In addition to his passing, Bachmeier recorded 527 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores during the 2025 season.
The offensive co-captains helped lead No. 12 BYU to an 11-2 record in 2025, which included a trip to the Big 12 Championship and an invitation to the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Maxwell Award semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 10, with three finalists being unveiled on Nov. 24. The winner will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.
