During last year's historic National Championship-winning season, the Indiana Hoosiers led the Big Ten and ranked 12th nationally averaging 212.9 rushing yards per game. That brought plenty of balance to the IU offense, which helped take pressure off Fernando Mendoza and keep opposing defenses honest.
What made the Hoosier rushing attack so lethal last season is that they weren't too reliant on one single rusher. Indiana boasted a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Hemby led the way with 230 carries for 1,120 yards, but Black wasn't far behind with 186 carries for 1,040 yards of his own. Furthermore, Black led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns while Hemby had seven.
Redshirt freshman Khobie Martin also chipped in, totaling 505 yards and six touchdowns on 78 carries, which was good for a team-leading 6.5 yards per carry.
The running back by committee approach was extremely successful, and with both Hemby and Black preparing for the NFL Draft, utilizing that same approach seems to be the plan of attack for the Indiana running game once again.
Khobie Martin shows the unselfishness Indiana's RB room has
As it stands, Indiana's RB room for next season consists of Boston College transfer Tank Richard, senior Lee Beebe Jr, and redshirt sophomore Khobie Martin. All three could be in for significant roles.
When speaking with the media on Thursday, Martin made a point about Hoosier running backs not caring about who gets the most touches or touchdowns - they just want to win.
"We try to win, we try to be great. And so if we need multiple running backs to do that, then that's what we need."Khobie Martin
Khobie Martin on Indiana's running back by committee approach: "We try to win, we try to be great. And so if we need multiple running backs to do that, then that's what we need." pic.twitter.com/r4InVYCJFo
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) April 9, 2026
This kind of unselfish, team-first mentality is what makes Indiana so great under Curt Cignetti.
Last season, Indiana wasn't full of blue-chip prospects who garnered national attention coming out of high school. Yes they were talented, but they championed a winning mindset and unselfish approach to the game that led to a historic title run.
Looking to defend their title next season, it seems that another running back by committee approach is in the works. As Martin says, the group of Hoosier running backs is willing to do whatever it takes to win. That is what Indiana fans love to hear.