BYU running back LJ Martin, the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, is expected to miss four to six weeks with a lower-body injury, according to an ESPN report.

Martin suffered the injury in the first half of BYU’s 17-10 win over TCU on Saturday.

The timeline means Martin will miss the Cougars’ primetime showdown with No. 3 Notre Dame on Oct. 17. His status will also be in doubt for the BYU-Utah game on Nov. 7.

Martin rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He has amassed 344 rushing yards this season.

Cougar running backs Preston Rex, Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka will see an uptick in carries with Martin out.

All three have been productive in spots this season.

Rex has 18 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns, Tonga has 19 carries for 157 yards and a score, and Eka has 12 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier could see more reps in the running game, too. Bachmeier had 15 carries against the Horned Frogs after recording just 12 in BYU’s first three games.

“Obviously we know how good LJ is, but we also do know how good Journee, P Rex and everybody in that room is,” BYU tight end Roger Saleapaga said. “This is college football. It’s always next man up, and I think we’re just excited to see some of the young guys have a chance to show what they can do.”