Sophomore QB Bear Bachmeier, senior running back LJ Martin have become the faces of BYU football in 2026
BYU football’s 2026 roster is anchored by a sophomore QB and senior RB as the program seeks redemption after playoff exclusion
Velocity
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The brief
Brigham Young University football is positioning sophomore quarterback **Bear Bachmeier** and senior running back **LJ Martin** as its dual leaders heading into the 2026 season. Media outlets emphasize the Cougars’ defiant tone ahead of Big 12 media days, framing their exclusion from last year’s playoff as motivation rather than a setback.
Watch for how Bachmeier and Martin’s chemistry translates to on-field performance, particularly as BYU navigates its first season in the Big 12. The program’s narrative now hinges on whether its offseason momentum carries over into conference play, with early preseason buzz already shaping fan and media expectations.
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Quick answers
Who are BYU’s starting quarterback and running back for 2026?
Sophomore **Bear Bachmeier** (QB) and senior **LJ Martin** (RB) have been named as the program’s primary leaders for the upcoming season.
Why is BYU football trending now?
Coverage is focused on the team’s response to being left out of the 2025 College Football Playoff, with emphasis on its roster’s star power and the Big 12’s heightened expectations.
Which media outlets are covering BYU’s 2026 season?
Key outlets include *ESPN The Fan*, *KSL.com*, *The Salt Lake Tribune*, and *Deseret News*, with all highlighting the team’s preseason narrative.
Coverage (5)
- 7-7-26 – BYU Football’s Keanu Tanuvasa on the upcoming season, the defensive front, and more! ESPN The Fan · 12h ago
- With eyes on BYU to open Big 12 media days, Cougars keep same energy that has bred success KSL.com · 12h ago
- BYU football felt ‘disrespected’ after being left out of the College Football Playoff. Now it’s fuel for 2026. The Salt Lake Tribune · 12h ago
- ‘Complacency isn’t in their vocabulary’: BYU football insists it can handle lofty expectations in 2026 Deseret News · 12h ago
- Sophomore QB Bear Bachmeier, senior running back LJ Martin have become the faces of BYU football in 2026 Deseret News · 12h ago
Topics
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