As BYU football gears up for the 2026 campaign, the narrative surrounding the offense starts and ends with senior star **LJ Martin**. Following a historic 2025 season where he was named the **Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year**, Martin enters his final year in Provo with a monumental goal in sight: becoming the program’s all-time leading rusher. While Martin is the undisputed engine of the backfield, the true intrigue of the season lies in the unproven talent waiting in the wings—players whose emergence could elevate the Cougars from contenders to champions.
The Standard of Excellence: LJ Martin
LJ Martin’s junior season was nothing short of legendary. He racked up **1,305 rushing yards** and **12 touchdowns**, leading the Big 12 and securing his place as one of the premier backs in the country. With **1,560 total yards from scrimmage** last year, Martin has proven he can shoulder a heavy workload, but offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick knows that a deep postseason run requires more than a one-man show. As a team captain, Martin’s legacy is already secure, but his senior year will be defined by how he anchors a revamped offensive line.
The Comeback Candidate: Sione Moa
If there is a “darkhorse” to watch this fall, it is **Sione Moa**. After missing the vast majority of the 2025 season due to injury, Moa is projected to be the primary backup to Martin. Before his setback, Moa flashed the physicality and vision necessary to thrive in the Big 12. His return to full health provides BYU with a “thunder and lightning” dynamic, allowing the coaching staff to keep Martin fresh for crucial fourth-quarter drives.
The Newcomers and Potential Shocks
Beyond Moa, the depth chart is filled with intriguing prospects who could provide a “shock” to the system. Sophomore **Jovesa Damuni** has shown explosive speed in limited snaps, while incoming freshman **DeVaughn Eka** arrives with massive hype following a standout career at Lehi High School. Additionally, keep an eye on **Micah Beckstead**, a former Utah State signee who joined the program as a returned missionary. Should Martin or Moa miss any time, these under-the-radar figures will be thrust into the spotlight, potentially defining the ceiling of the Cougars’ 2026 season.