BYU's LJ Martin May Return Against Utah

The BYU running back has been sidelined since October 3, and his full status may not be clear until later in the week.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints

BYU running back LJ Martin may return from injury when the Cougars face Utah in the Holy War on Saturday. Martin has been out since October 3, and his full status will likely not be known until later in the week.

Why it matters

A Martin return could be a game changer for BYU as it seeks to keep pace in the Big 12 title race against an undefeated Utah team. The Cougars enter the matchup at 7-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

Martin's current season average of 7.8 yards per carry is well above his 5.5 mark from last season, which produced 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. Utah enters Saturday on a national-best 14-game winning streak.

The players

LJ Martin

A BYU running back whose production has made him one of the Cougars' most important offensive players, and whose return from injury is the central question ahead of the Utah game.

The details

BYU and Utah meet Saturday in Provo, Utah, in the Holy War, with the Cougars looking to bounce back after a loss to UCF following their upset of No. 2 Notre Dame. Martin has run for 518 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman, 718 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore, and 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

October 3: LJ Martin's injury absence began.
Saturday: BYU vs. Utah Holy War game.

Season Trajectory

Martin's rise from 518 yards as a freshman to 1,305 yards last season has made him central to BYU's offense in its Big 12 campaign. A healthy return against an undefeated Utah team would test whether the Cougars can keep their conference hopes alive.

Fantasy managers and BYU fans will want to track Martin's practice reports, since his availability could change how the Cougars approach the running game. Confirmation of his status is expected later in the week before the Saturday kickoff.

The takeaway

Injury timelines in college football often hinge on late-week practice reports, so fans should wait for official updates rather than early speculation. Martin's status will be the key signal for how BYU approaches Saturday's matchup.