BYU Running Back Hinckley Ropati Reportedly Enters the Transfer Portal

BYU running back Hinckley Ropati against Kansas | BYU Photo

On Friday, BYU running back Hinckley Ropati entered the transfer portal according to a report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Ropati, who was a senior last year at BYU, ran for a career high 360 yards and 2 touchdowns last season.

BYU running back Hinckley Ropati has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247Sports.

Ran for 360 yards last year.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKg pic.twitter.com/5KNRfndUhj

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 26, 2025

Ropati was not on BYU's roster for Spring camp. After all, it was assumed he had no eligibility remaining. There are three scenarios why Ropati would enter the transfer portal:

1. He was granted an extra year of eligibility from the JUCO blanket waiver; Ropati started his career in the JUCO ranks
2. He is hoping the JUCO blanket waiver applies to his situation but has not received word from the NCAA
3. He is entering the portal in hopes that all college athletes are granted a fifth year of eligibility

There have been multiple seniors that entered the transfer portal hoping that the house settlement would grant college athletes a fifth year of eligibility.

Ropati arrived at BYU for the 2020 season. He suffered a season-ending knee injury during Fall camp and did not play that season.

In 2021, Ropati had 4 carries for 15 yards. In 2022, he had 189 yards on 36 carries and he had 6 receptions for 97 yards.

Prior to the 2023 season, Ropati suffered another season-ending knee injury during Fall camp and did not play. The 2024 season was presumed to be his final season of college football before the changes for JUCO athletes and the house settlement.