BYU COUGARS

BYU RBs LJ Martin, Hinckley Ropati Are Reportedly ‘Doubtful’ Against K-State

Sep 21, 2024, 10:47 AM | Updated: 10:49 am

PROVO, Utah – The top two running backs for BYU football are reportedly doubtful against No. 13 Kansas State.

On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati are “doubtful” to play against the 3-0 Wildcats.

The kickoff for BYU vs. Kansas State is at 8:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN and KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM).

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick didn’t give an optimistic outlook on his top running backs earlier in the week on Wednesday, saying, “LJ and Folau are getting better every day. We feel both of them could play without a lot of practice reps because they are veteran players we trust. I’m not sure if they will be ready, though.”

Martin suffered an ankle injury in the win at SMU two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Ropati suffered a knee injury in the same game.

BYU was without both running backs last week in the 34-14 win at Wyoming. However, going up against Kansas State’s 3-3-5 stack defense poses a greater challenge.

Where BYU football goes if LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati can’t play

If Martin and Ropati don’t play, BYU will turn its attention to Utah State transfer Enoch Nawahine, who had a touchdown run two weeks ago at SMU. Nawahine missed last week’s game due to lingering pain from a shoulder injury that kept him out in the early weeks of fall camp practices.

Miles Davis and a pair of freshmen in Pokaiaua Haunga and Sione I. Moa will also factor into the top four ball carriers against Kansas State.

Last week, BYU’s running backs only rushed for 67 yards at Wyoming.

Starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff will likely be a factor in the run game for BYU. The redshirt junior signal-caller had six carries for 62 yards last week. He would have eclipsed the 100-yard mark if not for some holding penalties negating big runs.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

BYU Cougars

BYU Football, Recruiting, Malakai Lee, Top Six...

Mitch Harper

BYU Football Among Blue Bloods In Final Cut For Top Hawaii Recruit

BYU is in the mix for one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects in 2026.

22 hours ago

Jake Shoff, BYU Basketball, Death...

Mitch Harper

Jake Shoff, Former BYU Basketball Player, Dies In Car Accident

Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff passed away at the age of 46.

23 hours ago

byu basketball, aj dybanta...

Tanner Tripp

BYU Basketball Reportedly Will Play In 2025 Diamond Head Classic 

BYU basketball is reportedly off to the islands of Hawaii for a MTE in Hawaii.

2 days ago

BYU Football, Jay Hill, Signing Day, Transfer Defensive Linemen...

Mitch Harper

BYU DC Jay Hill Excited With Early Returns From Defensive Line Transfers

BYU's defensive coordinator is excited for the potential of the defensive line in 2025.

3 days ago

BYU Football, Signing Day, 2025 Commits, Landan Goff...

Mitch Harper

Where Does BYU’s 2025 Recruiting Class Stand On February Signing Day?

Taking a look at BYU football's recruiting for the class of 2025.

3 days ago

BYU/Arizona, Basketball Game Recap, Richie Saunders...

Mitch Harper

BYU’s Four-Game Win Streak Ends With Home Loss To No. 20 Arizona

BYU's four-game winning streak in Big 12 play comes to an end.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week two of the season were Jackson Maw from […]

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week two were Faythe Stauffer from Riverton High […]

...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 2

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy’s and girl’s basketball players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the court and exceptional play. Our winners for week two were Easton Hawkins from Lehi […]

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week one of the season were Sam Romer from […]

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our winners for week one were Beckham Bayles from Cyprus High […]

...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 1

SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy’s and girl’s basketball players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the court and exceptional play. Our winners for week one were Jaxon McCuistion from Timpanogos […]

BYU RBs LJ Martin, Hinckley Ropati Are Reportedly ‘Doubtful’ Against K-State