Kalani Sitake’s BYU has a chip on its shoulder. As the Cougars pivot toward the 2026 season, the buzz in Provo is no longer just about competing in the Big 12. It’s about dominating it.
After a heartbreaking CFP snub despite a stellar 12-2 campaign in 2025, the Cougars find themselves at a fascinating crossroads of national hype and localized skepticism.
BYU Star LJ Martin Puts the Big 12 on Alert
During a recent segment of “Crain & Company,” national analyst Blain Crain issued a stern warning to the rest of the conference: BYU is loaded, experienced, and possesses a backfield weapon in running back LJ Martin that most defensive coordinators aren’t prepared to handle.
Crain said, “When it comes to BYU, you bring back everybody. You bring back everybody on your team and you added a couple good pieces. LJ Martin is an absolute problem. That secondary is one of the most experienced in the country.”
Martin’s 2025 statistics back up the hyperbole. He led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging a robust 5.5 yards per carry.
His ability to stay physical while adding 255 receiving yards makes him a three-down threat that dictates how defenses must align. As a result, he also finished the 2025 season as the second-ranked running back, per PFSN’s CFB RB Impact.
Despite a minor shoulder injury keeping him out of contact drills this spring, the El Paso native is expected to be a full go by fall camp, ready to lead an offense that is leaning into its identity as a physical, run-first powerhouse.
Despite the glowing endorsement, Crain voiced a lingering concern that haunts many BYU fans. “I don’t know if they’re athletic enough to beat Texas Tech,” he added.
The Red Raiders have become BYU’s kryptonite. In 2025, Texas Tech dismantled the Cougars twice, once in the regular season (29-7) and again in a crushing 34-7 postseason blowout. For BYU to win the Big 12 in 2026, it must prove that its returning production and Martin’s ground game can neutralize a Texas Tech team that has seemingly figured out the Cougars’ defensive geometry.
In addition, BYU has managed to keep its core intact while surgically adding high-level talent. Key offseason changes include Cade Uluave, 247Sports’ top-rated transfer linebacker from Cal, and Kyler Kasper, a towering 6-foot-6 receiver from Oregon.
Then, five-star quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons and elite tight end Walker Lyons (USC transfer) join a roster that already features experienced stalwarts like cornerback Evan Johnson and safety Tanner Wall.
While defensive coordinator Jay Hill departed for Michigan, BYU promoted Kelly Poppinga to defensive coordinator, ensuring the scheme that led to 12 wins last season remains largely familiar.
So, BYU’s strategy for 2026 is built on continuity and physicality. PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter gives the Cougars a 17% chance to win the Big 12 and a 3.7% chance to win the national championship.
