BYU football is garnering intrigue as a College Football Playoff contender. Legendary coach Nick Saban likes the Cougars' chances to win the Big 12 Conference. Now running back LJ Martin has strengthened their chances after the TCU game.

Martin left with an injury late in that narrow 17-10 win over the Horned Frogs. But BYU reporter for Locked on Cougars Jake Hatch dropped this big update Sunday.

“Kalani Sitake said he had no updates on LJ Martin, Isaiah Glasker and Cannon DeVries’ status injury-wise but said he was encouraged that they weren’t on crutches and were walking on their own power,” Hatch posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Article Continues Below

Martin is a 1,000-yard threat on the field when healthy. He became limited to just two carries for 16 yards versus TCU. Martin previously delivered a 176-yard outing versus Colorado State on Sept. 19. BYU fans recall him racking up 1,305 yards last season as BYU made an appearance in the Big 12 title game before falling to Texas Tech.

So Martin's health hands BYU a huge boost moving forward. But same with the continuous play of quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who the former Alabama and LSU coach Saban also raved about. Bachmeier continues to hand BYU a running and throwing threat, combining for 11 touchdowns including four rushing. Yet BYU fans will love how Bachmeier has thrown just one interception this season.

BYU improved to 4-0 overall following the seven-point win over TCU. Now two big ones loom in hosting Iowa State and then No. 3 Notre Dame the next two weeks.