Entering the 2026 college football season, Indiana RB Khobie Martin was primed for a breakout season. That can still happen, but right now that mission is on hold.
Martin suffered a fractured forearm early in Saturday's season opener against North Texas. The injury came in the 1st quarter before he even recorded a single carry, and he would not return to the field the rest of the afternoon.
Week 2 Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Michigan free falls, UCLA surprises
Speaking with the media after the game, Curt Cignetti stated that Martin would "be out a little bit." Cignetti's latest update reveals a more specific timeline for Martin's return.
Khobie Martin injury update reveals tentative timeline for return
On Monday, Cignetti stated that Martin is expected to be back "sometime around midseason." When looking at Indiana's regular season schedule, the biggest game in the middle of the season comes against Ohio State on October 17. Getting Martin back for that contest would be a big boost.
Via Khobie Martin on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Fy4ZJ47LQ5
— Kirkwood & Dunn (@KirkwoodandDunn) September 6, 2026
While it's good news that Martin's injury is not considered to be season-ending, missing an extended period of time is a tough blow for Martin. He was Indiana's RB3 last year playing behind Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, with both Hemby and Black eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark. But Martin made sure to make the most of his opportunities.
In total, the Fishers, IN native ran for 505 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, and 6 touchdowns last year as a redshirt freshman. With Hemby and Black both off to the NFL, Martin's breakout campaign was in the works throughout the offseason. Now, that will have to wait.
Khobie Martin's injury points to a tandem attack with Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr.
Heading into the season, Indiana's RB room featured a trio of playmakers poised to see significant carries. Along with Martin, Boston College transfer Turbo Richard and returner Lee Beebe Jr. were expected to form a three-headed monster in the Hoosier backfield. With Martin sidelined, Richard and Beebe should be expected to share the workload moving forward.
5 winners and 2 losers from Indiana's impressive Week 1 win over North Texas
That's pretty much what we say on Saturday in the season opener, as Richard and Beebe got almost equal opportunities. Richard ran 15 times for 58 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Beebe got 14 carries and ran for 33 yards. Richard was more efficient, as he averaged 3.9 yards per carry while Beebe averaged just 2.4 yards per carry.
Beebe has battled injuries throughout his career, and played just three games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. The fifth-year senior made up for lost time right away in 2026, as he took the opening kick-off back 67 yards to set-up a quick Hoosier scoring drive. The playmaking ability is there, and Hoosier fans are rooting for a big bounce back campaign from Beebe.
Richard spent the first two seasons of his college career at Boston College. He took on a leading role last season by running 145 times for 749 yards and 9 touchdowns. He was also effective as a receiver, hauling in 30 catches for 213 yards and 2 more touchdowns. That dynamic skill set could make for a solid fit in Mike Shanahan's offense moving forward.
Add us as a preferred source on Google