The BYU Cougars football team made a bold, risky decision heading into the 2026 season: they chose not to add a proven running back from the transfer portal. Fans and analysts have raised eyebrows, especially given the injury histories of lead backs LJ Martin and Sione Moa. As the season progresses, the gamble appears to be backfiring and could jeopardize BYU’s shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP). This article looks at the decision’s implications, the state of BYU’s running back room, and what it means for the team’s CFP aspirations.
The Decision to Stand Pat
Head coach Kalani Sitake and running backs coach Harvey Unga decided to rely on the roster they had rather than seek more depth through the transfer portal. Fans and analysts questioned the move, pointing to the lack of depth behind LJ Martin and Sione Moa. Both players have well-documented injury histories, so passing on a proven upperclassman running back from the portal was a significant gamble.
The Injury Histories of LJ Martin and Sione Moa
LJ Martin, one of the best backs in BYU history and the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, has often dealt with injuries and missed games. He missed two games as a freshman in 2023, then three more during his sophomore season in 2024. Last year, he suffered a shoulder injury, played through it, and then missed the Pop Tarts Bowl to have surgery in December. Entering the 2026 season, the coaching staff knew Martin had missed at least one game in each of his three seasons in Provo and might miss a game or two this year.
Sione Moa is extremely talented, but he’s also injury-prone. He suffered a season-ending injury in the Cougars’ first game of the season. Given the injury histories of both Martin and Moa, passing on a proven running back from the transfer portal looks even more questionable.
The Current State of BYU’s Running Back Room
With Moa out for the season and Martin carrying an injury history, BYU’s running backs now include a converted defensive back, Preston Rex, and two freshmen, Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka. Rex moved from defense to running back last year and entered the season with just 13 career carries for 30 yards. Tonga is a preferred walk-on, while Eka was a mid-three-star prospect with an 84 rating at 247 Sports. Neither Tonga nor Eka had competing Power Four scholarship offers.
Unproven Talent
Rex, Tonga, and Eka are undoubtedly talented, but none had proved they could carry the load as a Power Four running back on a team with CFP aspirations. Fans and analysts hope they succeed, of course. But relying on three unproven running backs with the season hanging in the balance is a significant risk.
The Argument for Adding a Proven Running Back
Some Cougar fans argue that no good running back in the transfer portal would have come to BYU to sit behind LJ Martin. But that argument feels shortsighted and incomplete. Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick, and Harvey Unga could have made a compelling pitch to productive, experienced running backs:
- Compete for RB2 and earn meaningful carries
- Both LJ Martin and Sione Moa have injury histories
- Behind the two of them are completely unproven college-level ball carriers
- Play for a program that produced NFL players like Tyler Allgeier and Chris Brooks and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin
- Prove yourself at a CFP contender
- Potentially start in 2027
- Receive attractive NIL opportunities
BYU has used this pitch to strengthen other positions through the transfer portal. Just this year, the Cougars landed transfers who were told they could compete for snaps at positions that already had depth, including linebacker Jake Clifton, cornerback Jayven Williams, and guard Paki Finau. Yet they stood pat at running back.
The Consequences of the Decision
Passing on a proven running back in the transfer portal was a calculated risk, given the injury histories of LJ Martin and Sione Moa and the lack of proven depth behind them. In nearly two games without Martin, against TCU and Iowa State, BYU’s run game has largely disappeared, especially between the tackles. Without a consistent run game, the entire offensive plan gets thrown off for a team that relies on the run to set up the pass.
Upcoming Challenges
As BYU prepares to host Notre Dame, the Cougars will need to run the ball between the tackles. Rex, Tonga, and Eka must step up and deliver. Fans and analysts hope at least one has a breakout game and gains 100-plus yards. If they don’t, BYU’s decision not to add a proven running back in the transfer portal could cost the team a shot at the CFP.
That would be a real shame. BYU’s need for more proven, productive depth at running back was clear long before the season began. By standing pat in the transfer portal, the Cougars have put themselves in a precarious position, and their season may hinge on how their unproven running backs perform.
For more detailed insights, read the original article on the Lawless Republic website.
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