BYU running back Aidan Robbins is declaring for the NFL Draft.
The senior running back had college eligibility remaining, but elected to move on after four seasons. He ran for 1,545 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career.
“Over the past few weeks in my quiet time I have been contemplating my future and what I want it to look like,” Robbins said on social media. “While I have only been a part of this amazing program for a year, I can wholeheartedly say it has been life changing. ... BYU has helped me move one step closer to my dream.”
Robbins transferred to BYU last year from UNLV. In his lone season, he dealt with injuries early in the year that kept him out of four games. He eventually returned down the stretch, earning his starting role back.
The final two weeks of the season were his best, rushing for 182 yards against Oklahoma and 74 yards against Oklahoma State.
Injuries hampered his overall production, running for less than 500 yards and just one touchdown in 2023. It led to a debate about whether Robbins should return to put together a complete Big 12 season before going off to the NFL.
But Robbins has been in college since 2020 and was a two-time transfer. He started at Louisville for two seasons and then spent one year in Las Vegas. He was a 1,000-yard rusher in the Mountain West before coming to Provo.
Robbins’ departure now leaves the running back room in limbo. BYU returns freshman LJ Martin. Veteran Hinckley Ropati is expected to return from a torn ACL next year.
However, the Cougars will now be without Robbins and third-string running back Miles Davis. Senior Deion Smith has also moved on.
BYU has gone to the transfer portal the last two seasons to get a veteran running back. Chris Brooks transferred from Cal in 2022 before Robbins. With some depleted options, the Cougars could again look for help.
Enoch Nawahine also traveled with the running backs throughout the year. But the Utah State running back only had one carry all year against Southern Utah.
Other notable decisions:
The transfer portal is still open, but BYU’s roster hasn’t been decimated like some other schools.
Davis went into the portal, taking another piece away from the running backs room. Wide receiver Dom Henry, a young playmaker who had a productive spring camp, has also left.
But other than that, many of the key playmakers stayed put for now.
The Cougars will return defensive end Tyler Batty next year. The defensive line needs an infusion of talent, but Batty has been a multi-year starter that will bring continuity for defensive coordinator Jay Hill.