LJ Martin Injury Update: BYU Star Nears Utah Return

BYU star running back LJ Martin is trending toward returning for Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup against No. 3 Utah, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday. The No. 9 Cougars could receive a significant boost with the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year moving closer to availability after missing several games with a lower-body injury.

Martin is officially listed as doubtful on the initial Big 12 availability report released Wednesday night. However, sources indicated that the senior running back is trending toward dressing and having an opportunity to contribute when BYU travels to Salt Lake City to face its fierce rivals.

Martin is not expected to be fully healthy if he plays, and the Cougars are likely to manage his workload depending on how he responds during the week. A final decision on his availability will be made later, leaving his status one of the major storylines ahead of the rivalry showdown.

LJ Martin Trending Toward Return Against Utah

Martin has been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury during BYU’s 17-10 victory over TCU on October 3. At the time, sources told ESPN that the injury was expected to keep him out for four to six weeks.

His potential return against Utah would come during a crucial point in BYU’s season. The Cougars have continued to compete without their leading running back, but having Martin available, even in a limited role, could provide another option for the offense against one of the country’s top-ranked teams.

Although the initial availability report lists him as doubtful, the latest information suggests his recovery is progressing. The team will continue evaluating his condition before deciding whether he is ready to take the field.

Martin’s status remains uncertain, and being listed as doubtful means his participation is not guaranteed. The coaching staff will need to assess his fitness and ability to handle game action before making a final call.

BYU Has Gone 3-1 Without Its Star Running Back

The Cougars have recorded three victories and one defeat during Martin’s absence. Their only loss came in a dramatic 39-31 double-overtime game against UCF, which followed BYU’s victory over Notre Dame.

With Martin unavailable, Sione Moa and Preston Rex have handled much of the responsibility in the running game. Both players have helped fill the gap while the coaching staff has adjusted its offensive approach.

Martin’s possible return would give BYU another experienced option in the backfield. His combination of size, strength and production could be particularly valuable in a matchup expected to be closely contested.

Martin’s Previous Season Shows His Importance to BYU

The senior running back established himself as one of the Big 12’s leading offensive players during the 2025 season. Martin rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, helping BYU win 12 games and reach the Big 12 championship game.

He carried that form into the current campaign before suffering his injury. In the games he played this season, Martin recorded 344 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry.

Those numbers underline the importance of his potential return. Martin had been a productive part of the Cougars’ offense, and his absence forced other players to take on larger roles in the running game.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Martin brings a physical presence to the backfield. If he is cleared to play, BYU could use him to complement Moa and Rex rather than immediately returning him to a full workload.

BYU and Utah Prepare for Another Chapter of the Holy War

The matchup between BYU and Utah is one of the most closely followed rivalry games in College Football. The two teams are set to meet in Salt Lake City, with both entering the contest ranked among the top 10 nationally.

BYU has won the previous three meetings, extending its recent advantage in the rivalry. However, those victories have been closely contested, with Utah losing by an average margin of just 4.3 points during that stretch.

The narrow margins illustrate how competitive the recent games have been. With Utah ranked No. 3 and BYU at No. 9, Saturday’s meeting carries significant importance for both programs.

Martin’s availability could become an important factor in how the Cougars approach the contest. His presence would add experience and production to the offense, although BYU may need to rely on its other running backs if he is not ready for a significant role.

Final Decision on Martin Expected Later This Week

For now, BYU will continue preparing for Utah while monitoring Martin’s recovery. His doubtful designation on Wednesday’s availability report indicates that uncertainty remains, but the latest reports suggest he is moving closer to being available.

The Cougars will have to balance the importance of the rivalry game with the need to avoid rushing their star running back back from injury. Even if Martin is cleared, he is not expected to be at full strength, meaning his involvement could depend on his condition and how the game develops.

A final decision is expected later in the week. Until then, Moa and Rex will remain important options as BYU prepares for the challenge of facing Utah on the road.

With three consecutive rivalry victories behind them, the Cougars will look to continue their recent run against the Utes. Whether Martin can return in time remains a major question heading into Saturday’s showdown.