LJ Martin has been recognized as the 2025 Big 12 Chuck Neinas Coach of the Year, an award that highlights exceptional leadership and program impact within the conference. The honor reflects significant strides made under his guidance, marking a milestone moment for both Martin and the BYU football program. His efforts throughout the season positioned the Cougars as one of the conference’s most disciplined and competitive teams.
Throughout the year, Martin demonstrated a clear vision for BYU’s growth, emphasizing player development, strategic consistency, and cultural stability. His approach resonated strongly within the locker room and across the broader program, helping the Cougars navigate the challenges of Big 12 competition. Under his direction, the team showed marked improvement in execution and resilience.
The Big 12 selection committee cited Martin’s ability to elevate team performance and maintain competitive standards against highly ranked opponents. His leadership was particularly evident in key moments where BYU’s tactical adjustments and preparation paid off. The award recognizes not only game-day decisions but also the foundational work behind the scenes that supports long-term success.
For BYU, Martin’s recognition serves as a reinforcing signal of the program’s upward trajectory within the conference. The Coach of the Year honor underscores the effectiveness of the staff and the strong direction of the football program. As the Cougars look ahead, the award adds to growing confidence in what the team can accomplish under Martin’s continued leadership
