The injury bug struck early in 2026.
Indiana starting cornerbacks Jamari Sharpe and A.J. Harris were both lost for the game to injuries in the first half of the season opener against North Texas. The FOX broadcast confirmed at the start of the third quarter they would miss the remainder of the game with undisclosed injuries.
Harris could be seen limping off the field in the first half. Sharpe registered one tackle on the afternoon.
The precise nature of their injuries are not clear, but neither is expected to be out long term.
“They will be back. Those are not long term deals,” IU coach Curt Cignetti said of Sharpe and Harris following Indiana’s 52-16 win over North Texas.
In their absence, Jaylen Bell and Ryland Gandy played cornerback for the Hoosiers. Bell is a second-year with limited experience beyond special teams, while Gandy was locked in competition for a starting role with Harris during fall camp. Gandy started one game in 2025 when the Hoosiers played at Iowa.
Indiana’s defense struggled to get off the field against North Texas with both corners out.
Running back Khobie Martin was injured in the first half as well. He did not have a carry before suffering the injury. He could be seen on the sideline holding his shoulder while talking to the team trainers.
Martin appears set to miss some time.
“He might be out a little bit,” Cignetti said of Martin.
Martin is part of three back rotation expected to have big roles this season.
Turbo Richard ran 15 times for 58 yards and two scores. Lee Beebe, Jr. had 14 carries for 33 yards.
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