Tailback LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier are the leaders of an outstanding BYU offense, and hope to deliver an even better result in 2026 behind a closer connection and a year of experience sharing a backfield together. It may just be one of the most beautiful bromances in all of college football, and the secret recipe to BYU football's projected success.
When asked point-blank about his relationship to his young QB, Martin detailed how their relationship has evolved over the last season.
"It's definitely evolved. I went from trying to teach him everything to now he pretty much knows everything. So he doesn't need no more teaching -- he knows what's happening, he knows what's going on, so I can just be a friend with him now."
When asked how their dynamic could shift now that Bachmeier is feeling comfortable in the backfield, Martin leaned into a position of trust, understanding that both players will complement the other as they play to their strengths.
"He's gonna do his thing. He's gonna throw the ball really well, and we're gonna run the ball really well. I think it should be complementary, really good, and it should just be a lot of fun playing football."
"I'm just able to be a friend with him now."
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) July 7, 2026
LJ Martin breaks down his relationship with QB Bear Bachmeier pic.twitter.com/P5mnwliBmg
Bachmeier spread the love himself, breaking down what he admires about Martin's game and what he brings to the team.
"[LJ] is the number-one tailback in the coutnry for a reason."
"I just love his mentality in between the lines: 'I'm never going down on first contact. I'm gonna run you over.' I can just remember that Cincinnati clip where he goes like this and mouthpieces are flying everywhere. He's just got a tenacity towards himself, and he's a smart player as well."
"He's the #1 tailback in the country for a reason."@bearb47 on LJ Martin's off season improvements. pic.twitter.com/ZYGZ9oUoe9
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) July 7, 2026
Martin made it clear that the secret behind BYU football's mentality of brotherhood is simply being around people that you connect with and want to be with.
"We just enjoy being around each other. We actually enjoy just spending time with each other and hanging out with each other. Just having your best friends on the team and just having a coach you love playing for."
"Just having a culture you love playing for."
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) July 7, 2026
LJ Martin on how BYU has retained players each year. pic.twitter.com/IZv4u0uHhp
BYU football has been built upon a foundation of love and respect under head coach Kalani Sitake, and players have been able to recognize that at every level of the team. When fighting for your friends, there's little that can stand in the way of a football team's goals, even as lofty as those BYU aims for in 2026.
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