Since Curt Cignetti took over as head coach of Indiana football prior to the 2024 season, the run game has been the heart and soul of IU’s offense.
Indiana’s national championship coronation last January would not have happened without the running back duo of Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black being consistent sources of production for the entire season.
Hemby and Black both departed for the pro ranks following the 2025 season, leaving a large void at one of the most important positions in Cignetti’s offense.
After an opening week struggle against North Texas where the Hoosier running backs only averaged 3.1 yards per carry, Week 2 showed what their ground game is capable of. IU racked up nearly 300 yards rushing, averaging 6.4 yards per carry in a 55-0 victory over Howard.
“Trying to treat every rep like a game rep in practice…practice like it’s a game,” running back Turbo Richard said of the Hoosiers’ run game improvement in Week 2. “By the time we get to the game Saturday, we’re able to translate it easily.”
Indiana’s new running back duo of Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. have shown the capability to replicate, and perhaps exceed, the production of last year’s ground attack.
Richard, a Boston College transfer, already has three rushing touchdowns on the season. He accumulated 108 yards on just 11 carries in the Howard victory.
Beebe Jr., after rushing for 33 yards against North Texas, had 112 yards in Week 2, averaging seven yards per carry, nearly a five yard improvement compared to Week 1. He’s seen two rushing touchdowns called back due to holding penalties.
While both running backs are excellent in their own individual games, the way they complement each other is what really makes them a special tandem.
“We do a great job at feeding off each other’s energy…having our own little play styles,” Beebe Jr. said Sept. 15. “He (Richard) is more explosive and elusive, and I’m more of a physical guy. I feel like we complement each other well.”
Richard and Beebe Jr. will continue to hold down the fort in the backfield, as veteran Khobie Martin works his way back from a broken arm suffered in week one.
After missing most of the 2025 season with an injury, Beebe, Jr. knows what Martin is going through, watching the season unfold from afar.
“From my standpoint it was just great seeing all the guys get together and pull off what we did,” Beebe, Jr. said of the 2025 season. “16-0, that amazing record, national champions. It was a great feeling. It was great seeing those guys go out there and compete every day, come back to the facility and go 100 percent in practice.”
Now Beebe, Jr. says he’s in regular contact with Martin as he works his way back.
“I’m talking to Khobie every day, just making sure he’s getting the right treatment and staying in the training room because I’ve been where he’s at,” Beebe, Jr. said this week. “Being injured is not fun, but I just continue to try to talk to him and keep his head up.”
Cignetti expects Martin to return around midseason. When he does, he will add yet another dynamic to an Indiana backfield that is quickly growing into a reliable source of production week in and week out.
Indiana will welcome in the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Eastern on Peacock.
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