November 7, 2026 — BYU star running back LJ Martin is fighting to return for the Cougars’ enormous rivalry showdown against No. 3 Utah. After missing four consecutive games with an ankle injury, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year has returned to practice and is expected to attempt a comeback. But with his availability still uncertain, the biggest question may not be whether Martin wants to play—it is whether his body is ready.

THE HOLY WAR HAS ONE MORE HUGE STORYLINE

The rivalry between BYU and Utah rarely needs additional drama.

But this year’s matchup already carries extraordinary significance.

The Cougars enter with a 7–1 record.

The Utes are unbeaten at 8–0.

Both teams appear among the top ten of the College Football Playoff rankings.

And now, one of the most talented running backs in the Big 12 is attempting to return at exactly the moment his team needs him.

LJ Martin’s status has become one of the biggest questions surrounding Saturday’s showdown.

FOUR GAMES WITHOUT THEIR STAR

Martin has not played since October 3.

He suffered an ankle injury during BYU’s 17–10 victory over TCU, leaving the contest during the Cougars’ third offensive drive.

The injury interrupted an outstanding beginning to his season.

Martin had rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns on just 44 carries.

His average of 7.8 yards per attempt demonstrated his explosive ability.

He also provided physicality and reliability in difficult rushing situations.

Without him, BYU has continued winning games.

But the offense has not looked the same.

THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE CHANGED THE OUTLOOK

Earlier this week, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick confirmed that Martin had returned to practice.

Initially, the coaching staff remained cautious.

Roderick emphasized that Martin’s health needed to come first.

Then came an encouraging development.

Reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel and On3’s Pete Nakos indicated that Martin had practiced for three consecutive days.

The expectation was that he would dress and attempt to participate against Utah.

That represented meaningful progress after more than a month away.

But it did not eliminate the uncertainty.

THE FINAL DECISION MAY COME DURING WARMUPS

Martin’s availability remains a game-time question.

The latest confirmed Big 12 injury report listed him as questionable.

That classification followed an earlier doubtful designation.

For BYU supporters, the change offers a legitimate reason for optimism.

However, Martin is not expected to be completely healthy.

How his ankle responds during pregame movement will help determine his role.

The final availability report is scheduled for ninety minutes before kickoff.

Until then, the coaching staff must prepare for multiple possibilities.

WHY HIS RETURN WOULD MEAN SO MUCH

Martin is not an ordinary contributor.

He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year following the 2025 season.

That year, he rushed for 1,305 yards and twelve touchdowns.

He became one of the conference’s most effective offensive players through a combination of power, patience and explosive speed.

His production helped BYU compete for a Big 12 championship.

This season, he appeared ready to build on that success before the ankle injury intervened.

His possible return would restore an important dimension to the Cougars’ offense.

BYU’S RUNNING GAME HAS BEEN STRUGGLING

The statistics explain why the Cougars are eager to welcome him back.

In their first full game without Martin, BYU rushed for 177 yards against Iowa State.

The total then dropped to 121 against Notre Dame.

The Cougars managed 116 against UCF.

Against Arizona State, the number fell to just 47.

Some of that final total reflected deliberate losses while draining the clock.

But the overall decline remains concerning.

BYU has struggled to generate consistent rushing production without its leading back.

Against Utah, that weakness could become particularly costly.

UTAH’S DEFENSE PRESENTS A BRUTAL CHALLENGE

The Utes have established themselves as one of the country’s strongest defensive teams.

Entering the rivalry game, Utah ranks twenty-second nationally in rushing defense.

The unit allows approximately 101 yards per game on the ground.

It has consistently made life difficult for opposing running backs.

In recent home victories over Kansas and Houston, Utah limited opponents to fewer than ninety rushing yards.

That level of defensive discipline creates serious challenges for BYU.

Even a healthy Martin would face difficult matchups.

A player returning from an ankle injury may require an especially careful approach.

MORGAN SCALLEY IS PREPARING FOR HIS RETURN

Utah head coach Morgan Scalley has not dismissed the possibility of Martin playing.

Instead, he indicated that the Utes were building their defensive plan with the expectation that BYU’s star running back could be available.

That approach makes sense.

Preparing for Martin is safer than assuming he will remain on the sideline.

His presence would affect defensive assignments, tackling responsibilities and the balance between defending the run and pass.

Even a limited role could influence Utah’s preparation.

But the Utes will also be ready for BYU’s other rushing options.

BEAR BACHMEIER COULD BENEFIT MOST

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has helped keep BYU competitive during Martin’s absence.

His running ability provides another dimension to the Cougars’ offense.

But relying heavily on quarterback rushing can create additional physical demands.

A productive Martin would help distribute the workload.

He could also make play-action passing more effective by forcing Utah to respect the traditional handoff.

That might create additional opportunities for BYU’s receivers.

The quarterback does not need Martin to carry the ball on every possession.

He needs the defense to believe Martin remains a legitimate threat.

PRESTON REX OFFERS ANOTHER IMPORTANT OPTION

BYU has encouraging news beyond Martin.

Running back Preston Rex is expected to be available after missing the Arizona State game.

Rex previously contributed important carries while Martin was sidelined.

His return could help distribute the workload if the coaching staff limits Martin’s snaps.

That possibility matters because the star running back may not be ready for a normal number of touches.

A balanced rotation would provide greater flexibility.

The Cougars could use Martin in selected situations while relying on Rex and other backs to handle additional responsibilities.

SIONE MOA STILL HAS A ROLE

Sione Moa has also helped BYU navigate its difficult injury situation.

But he has dealt with his own recovery challenges following a significant knee injury.

Moa’s performance against Arizona State reflected the difficulties of returning to full effectiveness.

The Cougars cannot assume that any one player will completely solve their rushing problems.

They need contributions from the entire position group.

Moa, Rex and the other available backs may all be important.

If Martin participates, their roles could help protect him from an excessive workload.

THE RIVALRY’S HISTORY ADDS EXTRA PRESSURE

The Holy War has produced unforgettable moments across generations.

BYU and Utah supporters understand that the game represents more than an ordinary conference matchup.

It carries pride, history and emotional significance for communities throughout the state.

This season adds another remarkable element.

For the first time in the rivalry’s history, both programs enter the contest ranked inside the national top ten.

The result will carry important implications for the Big 12 championship race and the College Football Playoff.

Martin’s potential comeback is another compelling chapter in an already extraordinary matchup.

THERE IS A DANGER IN RUSHING BACK

The desire to compete is understandable.

Martin has missed important games while his teammates continued fighting through the season.

The opportunity to return against Utah is particularly meaningful.

But an ankle injury can affect acceleration, cutting ability and balance.

Those movements are essential for a running back.

Returning before adequate recovery could create unnecessary risks.

BYU’s coaching and medical staff must therefore prioritize Martin’s readiness over the emotion surrounding the rivalry.

A responsible decision may involve limiting his carries—or deciding he needs more time.

EVEN A LIMITED MARTIN COULD MATTER

The most interesting possibility is that Martin plays without receiving a full workload.

He may not need twenty carries to influence Utah’s defense.

A few successful rushing attempts could force the Utes to adjust their approach.

His presence could also help create opportunities for Bachmeier.

But that benefit depends on Martin being able to move effectively.

If he cannot accelerate or change direction comfortably, the coaching staff must reconsider his role.

The value of his return should be measured by what he can safely contribute, not simply whether he appears on the field.

KALANI SITAKE FACES A DIFFICULT DECISION

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has emphasized caution throughout Martin’s recovery.

He wants his star running back available.

But he also understands that one game, however significant, cannot justify compromising a player’s long-term health.

The decision involves medical guidance, Martin’s own feedback and the team’s competitive needs.

There is no perfect answer before the final evaluation.

If Martin responds well, he may contribute.

If he struggles, BYU must trust the remaining players.

Good leadership requires balancing ambition with responsibility.

THE PLAYOFF STAKES COULD NOT BE HIGHER

BYU enters the rivalry with one defeat.

Utah remains undefeated.

Both teams are positioned to influence the Big 12 championship race.

A victory would significantly strengthen the winner’s postseason résumé.

For the Cougars, success in Salt Lake City would provide one of their most meaningful victories of the season.

But reaching that goal will require more than one returning player.

BYU must protect Bachmeier, limit turnovers and execute against an outstanding defense.

The Cougars must also remain disciplined in an emotionally charged environment.

Martin could help.

He cannot win the game alone.

THE FINAL VERDICT: A COMEBACK FULL OF HOPE, BUT NO GUARANTEES

LJ Martin is closer to returning than he has been at any point since his October 3 injury.

He has resumed practice.

Multiple reports indicate that he intends to dress and attempt to play.

And his availability designation has improved to questionable.

Those developments offer genuine encouragement.

But his participation remains uncertain, and a limited role appears possible even if he receives clearance.

For Martin, the challenge is returning responsibly while contributing whatever his health allows.

For Bear Bachmeier, the potential return offers another offensive weapon against an outstanding Utah defense.

For Kalani Sitake, the responsibility is balancing the team’s championship ambitions with his running back’s long-term well-being.

For BYU supporters, the possibility of seeing their star back on the field provides another reason to believe in a memorable Holy War performance.

The Cougars cannot know exactly what LJ Martin will provide until the final pregame evaluation.

But after four games without their leading running back, even the possibility of his return has added a powerful new storyline to the biggest rivalry game of the season.

And if Martin is healthy enough to contribute, Utah may discover that BYU has one more dangerous weapon waiting for its moment.