Headline: BYU Football Looks Strong with Returning Stars Bachmeier and Martin
PROVO, Utah — Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin return to No. 14 BYU as the Cougars aim for a Big 12 title.
Bachmeier, who transferred from Stanford before fall camp, had a standout season as quarterback. Meanwhile, Martin topped the Big 12 in rushing during his third year in the program, helping the Cougars finish as runner-up to No. 12 Texas Tech.
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The duo’s return brings one of the most effective backfield pairings in the FBS back to BYU.
“The ceiling is very high,” Bachmeier stated. “We have the potential to achieve something really special this year. We’ve got many veteran players returning on the line, out wide, and in the backfield.”
Bachmeier’s development following a successful freshman year in 2025 is critical for BYU to meet preseason predictions.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback showcased his skills with a combination of powerful running and effective passing. Last season, he threw for 3,033 yards, scored 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions, and completed 65% of his passes. He also contributed 527 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing second on the team in both categories.
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As he grew more accustomed to offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s system, Bachmeier’s passing performance improved, culminating in three 300-yard games over his last ten starts. He anticipates building on these performances in his second year.
“I know my running ability sometimes overshadows my passing,” Bachmeier remarked. “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I did throw for over 3,000 yards last year. I had multiple games exceeding 300 yards. That again reflects the team, the receivers, and A-Rod’s scheme.”
With a full offseason behind him, Bachmeier feels more at ease with the playbook and his role in the offense. His coaches are confident that he will continue to progress as a sophomore.
“It’s exactly what you would expect. He’s a veteran now. He knows what he’s doing,” commented BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
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Martin is also thriving due to his understanding of the offensive system.
Last year, he rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry, securing the top spot in the Big 12 for rushing yards. His powerful running style often saw him overpowering defenders and gaining additional yardage.
“He can run the ball like no other back,” Bachmeier praised. “I’ve said it numerous times: I genuinely believe he’s the best tailback in the nation.”
Martin has seen an increase in productivity throughout his college career. He recorded 518 yards in his freshman year and 718 yards during his sophomore year, both impacted by injuries before experiencing his first breakout season as a junior.
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“I have a much better grasp of the defense and know what to expect,” Martin explained. “I can anticipate where I’ll run since I’ve learned the blocking scheme better now.”
Assuming good health, he has a solid chance to break both the single-season and career rushing records at BYU. He needs 1,361 yards to surpass Jamaal Williams as the school’s all-time leading rusher and 1,607 yards to break Tyler Allgeier’s single-season record.
Following shoulder surgery that caused him to sit out the 2025 Pop Tarts Bowl, Martin has dedicated himself to preparing for another successful season.
“I’ve put in a lot of extra effort,” Martin noted. “I can’t quantify it, but I spend a significant amount of time focusing on the details, especially in understanding the defense.”
PROVO, Utah — Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin are back at No. 14 BYU as the Cougars again try to contend for a Big 12 title.
Bachmeier enjoyed a breakout season at quarterback after transferring from Stanford before fall camp. Martin led the Big 12 in rushing in his third season in the program, pushing the Cougars to a runner-up finish behind No. 12 Texas Tech.
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The return of the dynamic playmakers gives BYU one of the most productive backfield tandems in the FBS.
“The ceiling is very high,” Bachmeier said. “We got the potential to do something really special this year. We’ve got a lot of veteran players coming back up front, on the perimeter, and in the backfield.”
Bachmeier’s ability to build on a successful 2025 freshman campaign will likely determine whether BYU lives up to preseason expectations.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback made a name for himself with a bruising running style and efficient passing.
Bachmeier threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven interceptions while completing 65% of his passes. He added 527 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing, finishing second on the team in both categories.
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As he became more familiar with offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s playbook, Bachmeier made strides as a passer, finishing with three 300-yard games over his final 10 starts. He expects more of those types of performances in his second season.
“I know my running ability kind of overshadows the passing,” Bachmeier said. “I’m not an arrogant guy, but I did throw for 3,000 yards last year. I had multiple games over 300. Again, it’s a testament to the team. It’s a testament to the receivers. A testament to A-Rod and the scheme.”
Now that Bachmeier has a full offseason with the Cougars under his belt, he’s grown more comfortable with the playbook and what he can do in the offense. His coaches believe he’s ready to take another step forward as a sophomore.
“It’s what you would imagine. He’s a veteran now. He knows what he’s doing,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said.
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Martin is also finding success because of his familiarity with the offense.
He churned out 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago while averaging 5.5 yards per carry, leading the Big 12 in rushing yards. Martin punished defenders with his powerful, physical running style, often dragging would-be tacklers for extra yardage.
“He can run the ball like no other back,” Bachmeier said. “I’ve said it a multitude of times: I truly believe he’s the number one tailback in the country.”
Martin’s production improved in each of his previous three seasons. He gained 518 yards as a freshman and 718 yards as a sophomore while battling injuries both seasons before having his first breakout campaign as a junior.
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“I understand the defense a lot more and just understand what’s going to happen,” Martin said. “I kind of already know where I’m going to run the ball before it happens because I understand the blocking scheme now.”
If he stays healthy, Martin has a decent chance to break the single-season and career rushing records at BYU. He needs 1,361 yards to pass Jamaal Williams as the school’s all-time leading rusher and 1,607 yards to top Tyler Allgeier’s single-season mark.
After recovering from shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the 2025 Pop Tarts Bowl, Martin has put in extra work to pave the way for another dominant season in the backfield.
“I put in a lot of extra time,” Martin said. “I wouldn’t be able to put a number on it but, yeah, I spend plenty of time just going over little things. Just understanding the defense and stuff like that.”
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