Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that BYU running back Hinckley Ropati logged into the transfer site on Friday. Last season, Ropati, a senior at BYU, rushed for a career-high 360 yards and two touchdowns.
For Spring Camp, Ropati was not listed on BYU’s roster. Ultimately, it was presumed that he was no longer eligible. Ropati might use the transfer portal in one of three ways:
Ropati began his career in the JUCO ranks after receiving an additional year of eligibility through the JUCO blanket waiver.
He has not heard back from the NCAA, but he hopes the JUCO blanket waiver applies to his circumstances.
He is using the gateway in the hopes that a fifth year of eligibility would be extended to all collegiate athletes.
In the hopes that the house settlement would give college athletes a fifth year of eligibility, several seniors have logged into the transfer portal.
Ropati started playing for BYU in 2020. He did not play that season after suffering a season-ending knee injury during Fall camp.
Ropati has four touches for 15 yards in 2021. He had six receptions for 97 yards and 189 yards on 36 touches in 2022.
Ropati did not participate prior to the 2023 season after suffering yet another season-ending knee injury during Fall training. Prior to the house settlement and the modifications for JUCO athletes, it was assumed that the 2024 season would be his last season of collegiate football.
