Aidan Robbins, a junior running back for BYU, has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, following a 2023 campaign in which he contributed 485 rushing yards and one touchdown. The decision comes as the Cougars prepare for a season under head coach Kalani Sitake, who enters his 11th year leading the program.
Robbins' Collegiate Career
Robbins joined the BYU roster as a transfer from UNLV, where he was a primary offensive weapon during the 2022 season. According to BYU Athletics, Robbins led UNLV in rushing in 2022, accumulating 1,011 yards on 209 carries and recording nine touchdowns. During that 2022 campaign, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and added 125 receiving yards on 23 receptions, along with one touchdown.
2023 Statistical Breakdown
During his 2023 season with the Cougars, Robbins appeared in multiple games, recording his rushing production across 101 carries for a total of 485 yards. His performance included a standout game against Oklahoma on November 18, 2023, where he rushed for 182 yards on 22 carries, averaging 8.27 yards per carry. His single touchdown for the season came during a matchup against West Virginia on November 4, 2023, where he rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries.
Recruitment and Background
A standout athlete from Louisville, Kentucky, Robbins was a three-star prospect in the class of 2019 according to 247sports. At the time of his recruitment, he was ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in Kentucky and the No. 55 running back in the nation. Before his time at UNLV and BYU, Robbins attended Manual High School in Louisville and played for coach Scott Carmony.
The Sitake Era
The declaration follows a period of significant success for the BYU football program under head coach Kalani Sitake. Entering his 11th year at the helm in 2026, Sitake has established a highly successful tenure, including a 23-4 (.852) record over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This two-year stretch of dominance saw the Cougars achieve back-to-back bowl victories over top-25 ranked opponents, including a 25-21 win over No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in 2025.
Program Success and Rankings
Sitake, the first former player to be named head coach at BYU under legendary Hall of Fame coach LaVell Edwards, has led the program to a 12-2 season and a No. 11 final ranking in 2025. The 2025 squad was notable for its efficiency, ranking No. 10 in overall efficiency according to the ESPN College Football Power Index. The team also achieved a rare statistical feat by featuring a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and two receivers with at least 800 yards each.
Legacy of BYU Running Backs
The BYU running back position has a storied history of producing professional talent. The program has seen alumni such as Tyler Allgeier, a 5th round pick by the Atlanta Falcons, and Chris Brooks, who played for the Green Bay Packers. Other notable alumni include Jamaal Williams, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints, and Ty'Son Williams, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals.
Looking Ahead
As Robbins prepares for the NFL Draft process, the BYU football program continues to build on its recent momentum in the Big 12. The 2025 season saw the Cougars achieve ten wins against Power 4 opponents, setting a new program record. Sitake's tenure has been marked by high-profile wins, including a 36-14 victory over No. 23 Colorado in the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl, which drew a record 8 million viewers on ABC.
