LJ Martin Convinced Mom Before Flipping From Stanford To BYU
Sep 2, 2025, 5:41 PM | Updated: Sep 3, 2025, 11:41 am
PROVO, UT - AUGUST 30: LJ Martin #4 of the Brigham Young Cougars breaks a tackle attempt by Carsten Mamaril #20 of the Portland State Vikings during the first half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – Every so often, life takes us down a road that we never anticipated. Unexpected moments and circumstances beyond our control prompt us to re-examine our decisions and choose a different path.
That was the case for BYU running back LJ Martin three short years ago after he committed to Stanford football and head coach David Shaw.
“I really wanted to go to Stanford,” Martin began when asked about his previous commitment to the Cardinal.
RELATED: Martin Cements Name In BYU Football Rushing History
“One of my things that was big for me coming out of high school was education,” Martin continued. “They are up there in terms of status with education and everything they hold with that right there. It was a big opportunity for me to look at Stanford.”
RELATED: Looking Back At BYU Football’s History Against The Stanford Cardinal
Late in the 2022 season, BYU traveled to Palo Alto and handed Stanford a nine-point loss that led Shaw to announce his resignation at the postgame press conference.
With Shaw out of the picture, Martin re-entered the recruiting scene.
“They had a coaching change right when BYU beat them that first time,” the El Paso, Texas, native said. “So, you know, I had to kind of consider other options.”
Martin met with BTYU running backs coach Harvey Unga in December, followed by a campus visit to Provo.
“(I) came down here for a visit, (and) really liked it,” Martin finished, “I had to convince my mom a little bit why I shouldn’t get a Stanford education. But you know, it’s worked out pretty good so far.”
Sitake credits offensive staff for LJ Martin recruitment
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake remembers LJ Martin’s recruiting cycle well, but refuses to take credit for convincing him to choose Provo.
“That was Harvey Unga, A-Rod (OC Aaron Roderick), and Fes (Fesi Sitake),” the ten-year head coaching veteran said.
Martin committed to Stanford early in the recruiting process, but when Shaw stepped down, Sitake and his staff couldn’t turn down the chance to re-engage with Martin.
LJ Martin turned on the jets for this 49-yard run💨 #Big12FB | 📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/LmN4LQScV0
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 31, 2025
“When we had the opportunity to keep recruiting him, we knew that he aligned with what we wanted from a player on the field and off the field,” Sitake said. “When he came out for his visit, he and his family, they just loved the environment, the atmosphere, the academic part of the university, and the social part fit who he is.”
Sitake has nothing but high praise for Martin since he entered the program in 2023.
“Seemed like just yesterday that he was a true freshman,” Sitake reminisced. “Now he’s a veteran. Time moves by really quickly, but I’m thankful that he’s on our team and that he’s a captain for us.”
RELATED STORIES
What channel is BYU football vs. Stanford on?
The BYU football game against Stanford is available on ESPN. Mark Jones, Roddy Jones, and Quint Kessenich will be on the call. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. MT.
How to Watch:
Television
How can I stream BYU football?
Mobile/Streaming Devices
ESPN App (Available on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV)
How can I listen to BYU football?
Radio
KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM & 1160 AM)
Extended pregame coverage from Provo with Mitch Harper on KSL NewsRadio is Noon-3 p.m. MT on Cougar Sports Saturday.
KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM) will host College Football Saturday every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Online (listen)
Mobile (listen)
Where can I find the BYU football postgame show?
BYU vs. Stanford Cardinal recap on KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM), sports.ksl.com, and the KSL Sports app.
Follow Big 12 Football with KSL Sports
Find BYU’s entire 2025 football schedule here.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
Follow the BYU Cougars with KSL Sports here.
Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect; follow us at @kslsports.
Take us with you wherever you go.
Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
