Here’s a bold statement: one of college football’s most dynamic offenses is about to face a major test. No. 12 BYU will take the field in the Pop-Tarts Bowl without their star running back, LJ Martin, and this absence could reshape the entire game. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing—Martin’s surgery, which sidelines him for Saturday’s matchup against No. 22 Georgia Tech, isn’t just a physical setback. It’s a decision that could influence his future, as he weighs whether to return for his senior year or declare for the NFL draft. Talk about high stakes!
Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed the news before Tuesday’s practice in Orlando, emphasizing that the team will need to lean on its depth. And this is the part most people miss: while Martin’s absence is significant—he led the Cougars in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 2023 and 2024—BYU’s running back room isn’t exactly empty. Enoch Nawahine, Jovesa Damuni, and Preston Rex are listed as co-starters, with Damuni leading the trio in rushing yardage this season (63 yards). Nawahine, a fifth-year senior, brings experience with 51 yards on 15 carries, while Rex, the younger brother of former BYU tight end Isaac Rex, has shown versatility after switching from safety to running back.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: replacing Martin’s production won’t be easy. As the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, he racked up 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 13 games as a junior, bringing his career total to a staggering 2,541 yards and 23 touchdowns. His presence on the field was a game-changer, and his absence will undoubtedly shift the offensive dynamics.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the right time for Martin to consider the NFL? Sitake noted that the decision to have surgery now leaves a “small window” for recovery, whether Martin stays for his senior year or pursues his NFL dreams. Martin himself has been coy about his plans, participating in senior-day activities but stating he wouldn’t make a decision until after the bowl game. Could this surgery be a strategic move to ensure he’s fully healthy for the NFL combine, or is it a sign he’s leaning toward one more year at BYU?
As for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, BYU’s depth will be tested. Sitake remains confident, stating, “We have great depth on the team,” but the question remains: can the Cougars’ running backs step up against a formidable Georgia Tech defense? Martin will be cheering from home, but his absence leaves a void that even the most talented backups will struggle to fill.
And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does BYU’s reliance on Martin highlight a lack of depth, or is this simply the reality of losing a once-in-a-generation talent? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl kicks off Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MST on ABC. Will BYU’s running backs rise to the occasion, or will Martin’s absence prove too costly? Tune in to find out—this game just got a whole lot more interesting.
