Indiana football’s running game was solid throughout 2024.
The Hoosiers ranked 63rd in the country and fifth in the Big Ten in rushing offense last year, at 165.1 yards per game. That was their highest average as a team since 2015.
IU primarily rotated between Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton last year, and that tandem provided a lot of production. They became the first Indiana duo since 2000 to each finish with 10 or more rushing touchdowns in a single season.
The team’s rushing success faded down the stretch, though. Indiana finished under 100 rushing yards in three of its last four games, against Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.
But in 2025, IU could be even better on the ground.
“It’s an explosive run game, which is super exciting. We can come at you with the ground and pound, but then, like we saw tonight, we can also pop a few for for big chunk plays,” center Pat Coogan said after the spring game. “Honestly, you can’t really gauge run games based on (spring), cause it’s a whole different system, new players. But I’m overall super excited about the progress we made and where we’re headed, because it’s gonna be a great run game, for sure.”
The offensive line should play a big factor in the run game’s improvement or regression.
But a big reason for the optimism Coogan expressed is IU’s stable of running backs. The Hoosiers appear set to expand from a backfield duo into a trio this fall.
Redshirt senior Kaelon Black went into last season looking like the third piece of Indiana’s running back rotation, but he wound up mainly playing on special teams with occasional offensive snaps. But he led James Madison with 637 rushing yards in 2023 before following Cignetti to Bloomington, and he should be more well-positioned for the Hoosiers this season.
“(Black is a) high-energy guy,” IU head coach Curt Cignetti said during spring camp. “He’s always started camp real well early in the year. Just staying healthy has kind of been his deal. He’s got good speed. He’s got a lot of juice.”
Redshirt senior Roman Hemby was one of IU’s biggest transfer portal additions this offseason, joining the Hoosiers after a productive career at Maryland. The Edgewood, Md. native rushed over 600 yards in three straight seasons for the Terps, and handled over 130 carries in all three campaigns. With the way Cignetti values production over potential, Hemby is a strong fit at Indiana.
At six feet tall and 208 pounds, he’s a little taller than Ellison and Lawton (and Black), but with similar weight. His build gives the backfield a different look for opponents, and he’s experienced in the Big Ten. Hemby should be able to perform early and often for IU.
“I feel like I bring a lot to the table. I feel like that’s the same with a lot of the running backs in the room,” Hemby said during spring camp. “We bring different things to the table, but I feel like we have all the tools to be a well-knit group.”
Redshirt junior Lee Beebe Jr. is the third member of Indiana’s committee. He was very productive at UAB, with 884 rushing yards on 166 carries with seven touchdowns in 2024, along with 30 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. He was one of the first players to commit to IU in the portal in December, clearly buying into Cignetti and Mike Shanahan’s visions.
Beebe won’t have to be the sort of bellcow back he was at UAB, which IU will hope keeps him fresh throughout the season. At 220 pounds, he can provide a little more thump in the backfield than Hemby and Black. But that build with his pass-catching ability may be what sets him apart.
“I feel like I can catch really well for my size,” Beebe said during spring camp. “I’m like 220 (pounds). Most running backs at my size can’t catch.”
IU’s backfield picture could certainly change as the season gets closer, and after it begins. The trio could become a duo once again, or perhaps someone like Khobie Martin forces their way into the picture.
But with Hemby, Beebe, and Black, Indiana has three solid backs to lean on going into 2025.
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