LJ Martin left the game in the first half.
(Matthew Putney | AP) BYU running back LJ Martin (4) runs in a touchdown against Iowa State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
BYU’s No. 1 running back was injured in the first half of the Cougars’ win over Iowa State.
LJ Martin, who has accounted for more than 700 yards this season, left the game against the Cyclones in the first half and did not return.
Martin was hit in the shoulder after a run and left for X-rays in the locker room. He returned to the sidelines without pads or his helmet.
“Always concerned with the guys that get hurt and can’t finish a game,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said after the game. “Hopefully, LJ is ready to go by the time we take the field in a couple of weeks, but I can’t tell on that right now. It is concerning that he didn’t finish. But we’ve seen guys not finish before and come back the next time. I’m going to stay positive and be optimistic about it.”
BYU’s running back depth behind Martin is nearly nonexistent. Fellow running back Sione Moa remains out and it could be several weeks before he returns.
The Cougars converted safety Preston Rex to add to their running back depth earlier this season. He rushed six times for 17 yards on Saturday. Enoch Nawahine ran three times for 10 yards.