The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars’ running back, Aidan Robbins, has declared for the NFL Draft, leaving the team with some uncertainty in their running back room. Robbins, who transferred to BYU from UNLV, had a solid career with the Cougars, running for 1,545 yards and 11 touchdowns in his four seasons. Despite injuries hampering his production in 2023, his departure leaves a gap in the team’s running back lineup.
The departure of Robbins leaves the Cougars with freshman LJ Martin and the expected return of veteran Hinckley Ropati from a torn ACL next year. However, with the loss of Robbins, third-string running back Miles Davis, and senior Deion Smith, the Cougars could once again turn to the transfer portal to find a veteran running back.
Historically, the running back position at BYU has been a key component of the team’s success. Previous standout players like Harvey Unga, Jamaal Williams, and Luke Staley have left lasting impacts on the program. The team’s reliance on the transfer portal in recent years is indicative of the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics and the importance of finding experienced talent to fill crucial positions.
While Robbins’ departure poses a challenge for the Cougars, the team’s roster remains largely intact, with key playmakers like defensive end Tyler Batty returning. The Cougars will need to carefully consider their options as they look to fill the gap left by Robbins and continue their success in the upcoming seasons.
