ESPN’s breakout RB candidate can help Indiana replace Kaelon Black/Roman Hemby

When people remember the historic 2025-26 Indiana football Hoosiers, they will gush about Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, extol confident head coach Curt Cignetti, spotlight an elite defense that featured Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones, Louis Moore, Aiden Fisher and D’Angelo Ponds, and they will be sure to shout out wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and his eye-popping catch versus Penn State. But they better mention the running back room before ending the conversation.

Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black each eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and combined for 17 touchdowns last season. Their collective impact made life easier for Mendoza and enabled Indiana to control the pace week after week. This backfield is no more, though. Hemby and Black are in the NFL now, leaving Cignetti with a huge void to fill in 2026.

He is not worried. The Hoosiers will trust multiple men to carry the mantle, and one of them is receiving ample media attention.

ESPN senior writer Adam Rittenberg listed Khobie Martin as one of his breakout RB candidates for the new campaign. “Martin and Boston College transfer Turbo Richard are in line to take over, and Martin showed big-play burst in limited opportunities last season,” he notes.

The 6-foot, 204-pounder registered 78 carries for 505 yards and six touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. He enjoyed a memorable two-week stretch in early September, rushing for a combined 216 yards and four touchdowns against Indiana State and Illinois. Although Richard will get a sizable workload, Martin will have the chance to more extensively showcase his abilities with Indiana football.

Curt Cignetti believes this back is poised to take a nice leap forward in the Big Ten.

“He’s a good, hard, downhill runner,” the Bloomington legend told ESPN. “He really has improved every fall, every spring. He’s taken advantage of all his opportunities when he’s gotten in the game. We’re really counting on him. We love what he’s doing. He had some significant carries last year, and he’s got a bright future.”

The Hoosiers will not repeat as national champions unless they can effectively run the ball. Ergo, Khobie Martin may just be the offense’s X-factor this year.

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