As BYU football prepares to kick off its 2025 fall camp, a lot of the attention has naturally been focused on the quarterback position. But beyond the competition under center, there are several other pressing and intriguing storylines that could shape how the season unfolds for the Cougars. Head Coach Kalani Sitake and his staff are facing critical decisions that stretch far beyond the signal-caller, especially after a whirlwind offseason. Let’s dive into three key non-quarterback narratives that fans and analysts should keep an eye on as BYU ramps up toward another season in the Big 12.
1. Can Running Back LJ Martin Emerge as a Star in 2025?
One of the most compelling questions heading into fall camp surrounds sophomore running back LJ Martin. After showing flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, the 2025 campaign could be his breakout year. Martin arrived in Provo in 2023 as a heralded recruit out of Texas. He was an all-state performer who turned down other notable Big 12 offers to join BYU. He saw the field early in his freshman year, finishing with over 500 rushing yards — a solid start for a first-year back.
In 2024, he made a bigger impact, accumulating 718 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across just 10 games. Injuries, however, hampered his ability to reach full potential. He missed about three full games, which significantly limited his production. Had he remained healthy, Martin likely would have surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, a milestone that BYU backs haven’t hit since Tyler Allgeier’s record-breaking 2021 season.
Now in his third season, Martin is healthy, experienced, and poised for an expanded role. With a year of growth under his belt and added responsibility in the offense, he’s expected to shoulder much more of the workload. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick may even restructure parts of the playbook to lean heavily on the ground game, especially given the uncertainty at quarterback. In a run-first approach, Martin could become the focal point of the offense.
His performance in the 2024 Alamo Bowl gave fans a taste of what he’s capable of when at full strength. He rushed for 88 yards and scored twice, helping BYU close out the season with a key win over Colorado. That strong finish could provide momentum heading into the new year.
If Martin stays healthy and the offensive line provides enough support (more on that shortly), he has a legitimate shot at cracking the 1,000-yard mark — a feat that would not only boost his personal profile but also stabilize BYU’s offense as a whole.
2. Can the Offensive Line Withstand Major Turnover?
While the backfield has some continuity, the same can’t be said for the offensive line. This unit, which was a relative strength last season, will look completely different in 2025. BYU lost three key starters — Connor Pay, Brayden Keim, and Caleb Etienne — all of whom were instrumental in anchoring the line last year. Their departures leave a void in both experience and leadership up front.
Replacing that kind of veteran presence is no easy task. But there are reasons to remain optimistic. The Cougars have recruited well over the past few years, and several underclassmen are ready to step up. The question isn’t just whether the offensive line can survive — but whether it can actually thrive with a new identity.
One thing working in BYU’s favor is that offensive line coach Darrell Funk has a track record of developing young talent quickly. Though the new group lacks the starting experience of their predecessors, they bring athleticism, size, and potential to the table. Cohesion will be critical — especially early in the season — but this line could surprise people if they jell quickly.
It’s also important to recognize the connection between the O-line and the success of players like LJ Martin. A productive run game can often hide growing pains on the line, and vice versa. The more consistent and disciplined the offensive line plays, the more it will benefit the skill players and ultimately help the offense move more efficiently.
Of course, questions remain: Who will start at center? Can the tackles hold up against Big 12 edge rushers? Will BYU be able to establish the run early in games to control the clock? These are issues that fall camp will help resolve, and the answers will likely dictate how successful the offense is in 2025.
3. What Will the Defense Look Like in Year Two Under Jay Hill?
Another major area of interest for Cougar fans is the defense, particularly under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who enters his second season at the helm. Year one was a mixed bag. While the defense showed improvement in several categories — including red zone efficiency and third-down stops — inconsistency still plagued the unit at key times.
In 2025, Hill’s system should be more fully implemented, and players will have had a full year to adjust to his aggressive style. Fall camp offers a prime opportunity to evaluate whether the defense can take another significant step forward and become a real strength of the team.
One of the key points of focus will be the defensive front. BYU struggled at times to generate consistent pressure last season, which put added strain on the secondary. This year, the expectation is that Hill will rotate more players along the line to keep legs fresh and increase pass-rush productivity. New additions from the transfer portal, along with development from returning players, should add depth and flexibility.
In the linebacker corps, the Cougars return some experienced names, but depth could be a concern. Fall camp will help identify who can step up and fill key rotational roles, particularly in nickel and dime packages. Hill likes to disguise blitzes and switch between fronts, so having versatile linebackers who can adapt quickly is essential.
In the secondary, BYU aims to build on a promising 2024 campaign. Returning starters in the defensive backfield bring familiarity and leadership, but depth is again something to watch. The competition at cornerback and safety during camp could be fierce, with younger players pushing for playing time and veterans fighting to maintain their spots.
Ultimately, the defense needs to become more disruptive. That means more takeaways, more sacks, and fewer big plays allowed. If Hill’s group can make that leap, it will dramatically ease pressure on the offense — especially if the quarterback situation remains unsettled.
Final Thoughts
While much of the preseason buzz in Provo is understandably centered on the quarterback battle, it’s clear that BYU’s success in 2025 will hinge on a number of other crucial developments. LJ Martin has the potential to emerge as a breakout star, especially if he stays healthy and receives consistent blocking from a retooled offensive line. At the same time, the defense must take a step forward in its second year under Jay Hill and become a more reliable unit week to week.
Fall camp will be essential in answering these questions. With high expectations and a challenging Big 12 schedule ahead, the Cougars can’t afford to overlook any of these storylines. The performance of non-quarterback units might just be the difference between a good season and a great one in Provo.
