Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan love to utilize multiple running backs in the Hoosier backfield. In 2024, both Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton saw 140+ carries with Ellison racking up 848 yards and Lawton collecting 668 yards. Last year, both Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black got 180+ carries and both eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the ground.
Heading into the 2026 season, don't be surprised if several running backs are utilized once again. With a RB room consisting of Boston College transfer Turbo Richard and returners Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr, there is plenty of talent and potential to go around.
But with that being said, the preseason hype surrounding Martin is now impossible to ignore.
Khobie Martin is officially on breakout watch in 2026
Hoosier football fans know Martin quite well, as he is now entering his third year with the program. He appeared in 2 games in 2024 and ultimately redshirted before enjoying a solid redshirt freshman campaign in 2025. In total, Martin ran for 505 yards on 78 carries, which was good for a team-leading 6.5 yards per rush. He also found the end zone 6 times on the ground.
With Hemby and Black both off to the NFL, Martin is poised to take on a much bigger role in 2026. He has put together a great fall so far, and is now officially on breakout watch. ESPN has unveiled its list of players primed for a breakout in 2026, with Martin emerging as one of the top names to watch.
Adam Rittenberg notes Martin's big-play ability as a primary feature adding to his breakout potential. Last season, Martin totaled 4 games with 50+ rushing yards and a pair of 100-yard performances despite never seeing more than 12 carries in a game. With his usage set to increase, Martin can build on those numbers considerably.
Throughout the course of the offseason, Martin has taken several steps to level up his game. Those changes have him ready to hit the ground running when the season begins next weekend. “I feel like a different player,” Martin told The Daily Hoosier. “My body feels lighter. I can pick my legs up quicker. I feel faster. Twitchier."
Specifically, Martin noted that changes to his diet have sparked improvements in his game. “Meal prep has really taken my weight and body composition to a different level," said Martin. "I’ve got more muscle in my arms. I toned down a little bit. I had a little bit of baby fat. I got rid of that. Now I’ve got more of a grown man body.”
Curt Cignetti has high praise for Khobie Martin entering 2026
Cignetti has plenty of great things to say about Martin. "He's a good, hard, downhill runner," Cignetti told ESPN earlier this month. "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 running game will always be prominent in a Cignetti-led team. The Hoosiers ranked 2nd nationally with 659 total rushing attempts last season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them near the top of the national rankings in rush attempts this season. With that in mind, there should be plenty of opportunities to go around in the Hoosier backfield. Look for Martin to make the most of his chances in a major way.
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