Following an undefeated 16-0 season and a National Championship that took the college football world by storm, the Indiana Hoosiers have reloaded for another title run next season.
Curt Cignetti signed a top-20 recruiting class and also brought in the No. 9 transfer portal class in the country according to 247Sports.
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Those additions are much-needed, as IU lost several key contributors from last season including QB Fernando Mendoza, WR Elijah Sarratt, RB Roman Hemby, WR Omar Cooper Jr. and C Pat Coogan. TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover is now running the offense, and one transfer running back is already turning heads in spring practice.
Turbo Richard set for a breakout season with the Hoosiers
One of Cignetti's key portal additions comes in the form of Boston College RB Turbo Richard. In addition to having one of the greatest names for a running back, Richard brings a dynamic skill set to Bloomington that has Hoosier fans fired up.
Richard took on a leading role with the Eagles last season, running for 749 yards and 9 touchdowns on 145 carries, which was good for an average of 5.2 yards per carry. He also hauled in 30 catches for 213 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the passing game.
Owning a stocky 5'8" 207-pound frame, Richard is already turning heads in spring practice. With Roman Hemby gone, he figures to play a vital role in Indiana's rushing attack this season.
Boston College transfer Turbo Richard is going to be have a big part in the #iufb offense this season.
— Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) March 26, 2026
Richard ran 749 yards and 9 touchdowns with the Eagles last season. pic.twitter.com/j09lMT1bhc
Indiana's dynamic RB room has serious potential in 2026
Both Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan have made it clear that they like to utilize multiple running backs frequently. Both Hemby and Kaelon Black ran for 1,000+ yards last season. Hemby led the Hoosiers with 230 carries for 1,120 yards, but Black wasn't far behind with 186 carries for 1,040 yards. Black led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns while Hemby had 7 of his own.
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Both Hemby and Black are preparing for the NFL Draft, which leaves the Hoosiers with a RB room that consists of Richard, Lee Beebe Jr, and Khobie Martin.
Beebe Jr. suffered a season-ending ACL injury on September 12 against Indiana State, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized early on in the fall. Martin racked up 505 yards and 6 touchdowns on 78 carries a season ago, and could be poised for a bigger role in 2026.
With those three names in the mix, Indiana's RB room once again has some serious potential for the upcoming season. All three can make an impact, but don't be surprised if Richard stands out and takes on a leading role.