BYU could get a big boost in Lubbock on Saturday as ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that star running back LJ Martin practiced Monday and is expected to play at Texas Tech. Martin exited BYU’s game at Iowa State in the first half with a shoulder injury after carrying the ball five times.

Texas Tech (7-1) is No. 9 in both polls, but gets slotted one spot higher for CFP purposes. Its loss came to defending conference champion Arizona State, 26-22. If it gets by BYU, it will have easy sledding with Central Florida and West Virginia rounding out the schedule.

The Big 12 Conference announced Monday that Texas Tech's next home game against BYU on Nov. 8 will kick off at 11 a.m. inside Jones AT&T Stadium with

BYU and Texas Tech are leading the Big 12’s charge for multiple berths in the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Sources: BYU tailback LJ Martin is expected to play this week at No. 9 Texas Tech. He practiced well on Monday and is in line to play Saturday. Martin is BYU’s leading rusher with 789 yards. pic.twitter.com/SaycWiBPpC

Texas Tech football and BYU will be the first Big 12 matchup of top-10 opponents since 2021. They'll also decide No. 1 in Big 12 power rankings.

Two of BYU's star players suffered injuries against Iowa State. Running back LJ Martin left the game with an upper-body injury in the first half, and linebacker

Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier excels, while 2026 recruit Ryder Lyons announces LDS mission. Next game is against No. 9 Texas Tech on ABC. Much of the team’s success this season can be attributed to the stellar play of true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier.