BYU’s LJ Martin named to Walter Camp Player of Year Award watch list

by August 18, 2026

written by August 18, 2026

BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin is preparing for a career year in Provo. He was named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, per an announcement.

Martin, a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder from El Paso, Texas, rushed for 1,305 yards last year (11th, FBS). His first 1,000-yard season with all eyes on him before the 2026 season. He was also 12th in the nation for yards per game (100.38) and 13th in all-purpose yards per game (120.0). Martin’s 1,305 yards rushing were the seventh-most in school history for a single season. He could be the first BYU rusher with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Tyler Allgeier in 2021 before heading to the NFL.

The Big 12 Conference named Martin Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Big 12 running back at the end of last season. He earned several other accolades in the process, including being a semifinalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

Martin was selected as the 2026 Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and was named preseason All-America by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He was also named a candidate for the Maxwell Award and was selected preseason All-Big 12 by Phil Steele, Athlon Sports, and Pro Football Network.

BYU is expected to be explosive on offense this season. Martin is joined by quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who took a step forward in his progression ahead of the season. The Cougars sophomore passer was named as a camp counselor for the Manning Passing Academy. A one-of-a-kind experience where Bachmeier was able to compare his skills against his peers.

Martin will take some of the heat off Bachmeier this season. The duo will be dangerous because they have the ability to turn it up from either end. If the opposing secondary is starting to clamp down on BYU’s receivers, Martin goes to work and makes the linebackers and defensive line come to stop him. If there isn’t much success with short gains for Martin, Bachmeier will start working the ball downfield. Either way, it’s going to be hard to contain both of them.

BYU kicks off the 2026 football season against Utah Tech on Saturday, Sept. 5 at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with the kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. A warm-up game before facing Arizona in Week 2. The early Big 12 contest will be in Provo before facing Colorado State on the road.