Jarom Jordan expects LJ Martin to return for another year with BYU football

Is it too much to ask for one of the best running backs in all of college football to return for another season with BYU football? Because that's exactly what I'm doing. Here, on my hands and knees, I am actively pleading with Cougar star tailback, LJ Martin, to run it back one more year with his squad.

LJ Martin was the workhorse of this season's BYU offense. A forceful runner who likes to dish out pain to any defenders foolish enough to challenge his momentum, Martin proved capable of driving his shoulder through the defense while decisively yet patiently locating and attacking holes in the rush resistance.

A projected third-round pick by Bleacher Report and a player with starting NFL back potential, Martin's options are simple: return for another year with the Cougars, or pursue a professional career.

BYU analyst Jarom Jordan took to social media to make his bold declaration; when it comes to running back LJ Martin, Jordan expects the star rusher to return for one more season with BYU football.

Martin's draft stock is at an all-time high after a career season in Provo. A former 3-star prospect out of El Paso, Texas, injuries had plagued his development under Kalani Sitake's tutelage, stunting his development in his early years in college.

In 2025, as a junior, Martin finally strung together the most healthy year of his career and raised eyebrows all along the way. On 236 carries, LJ stacked 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, leading the way and shouldering the load for a BYU offense good enough to accumulate 11 wins for the second straight season, and peaking at 12 wins.

Without Martin next season, the Cougars would be desperate to fill the void of what was a very run-heavy offense in 2025. With Martin on the depth chart, however, the narrative shifts a bit when discussing the Cougars' outlook. Could another run to the Big 12 Championship game be in order? Well, not to be dramatic, but that outcome may largely hinge on this running back's availability... or lack thereof.