BYU Star LJ Martin Will Reportedly Play Against Texas Tech
Nov 4, 2025, 10:37 AM
PROVO, Utah – BYU running back LJ Martin will give it a go on Saturday in the Top 10 matchup against Texas Tech.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Tuesday that Martin, who suffered what appeared to be an upper-body injury in the win at Iowa State on October 25, “is expected to play this week” against No. 9 Texas Tech.
Sources: BYU tailback LJ Martin is expected to play this week at No. 9 Texas Tech. He practiced well on Monday and is in line to play Saturday. Martin is BYU’s leading rusher with 789 yards. pic.twitter.com/SaycWiBPpC
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 4, 2025
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed Martin was practicing
Earlier in the week, BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake told reporters in his weekly press conference that Martin isn’t ruled out for the Tech game and was expected to practice in the buildup to BYU’s first-ever matchup featuring two top-ten teams.
“They’re doing great,” Sitake said when asked about the health status of Martin and BYU LB Jack Kelly. “I mean, we’ll see how they progress during practice this week. So they’re not out. They’re practicing, and we’ll see by Wednesday. Hopefully, it works in our favor. But the fact that they are not out is a good sign.”
Martin has rushed for 789 on 132 attempts this season. He’s 16th nationally in rushing yards this season and is the leading rusher in the Big 12 Conference.
Martin is a star ball carrier for the Cougars and has emerged as one of the best running backs in college football this season.
Leading rusher in the Big 12
His presence in the backfield is significant for BYU, as the depth at running back for the Cougars is thin after him. Plus, Texas Tech has the number one rushing defense in the nation, allowing only 74.6 yards per game on the ground.
After Martin exited the game at Iowa State at the end of the first quarter, BYU leaned heavily on passing the ball, to which star quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 307 yards.
The running backs, however, only combined for 27 yards on nine carries.
BYU football is undefeated at 8-0 overall this season and a 5-0 mark in the Big 12. The Cougars will face a Texas Tech squad that is 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big 12.
No. 8 BYU at No. 9 Texas Tech
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Kickoff: 10 a.m. (MST)
TV: ABC
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) — Extended pregame from Lubbock begins at 7 a.m.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
