Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti said redshirt sophomore running back Khobie Martin “will be out for a little bit and expect him back sometime around midseason,” during a press conference Monday.
Martin sustained an apparent arm injury in the first quarter of Indiana’s season opener against the University of North Texas on Saturday. The running back could be seen talking with athletic trainers on the sideline before missing the remainder of the contest. Martin played offensive snaps but did not handle a carry prior to his departure.
Cignetti said Martin may miss some time during his postgame press conference Saturday. Now, his timeline is a little clearer.
Martin played behind former Indiana running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black last year. Despite handling a reserve role, Martin showed flashes when given opportunities. He rushed 77 times for 506 yards, adding six touchdowns on the ground in 2025.
With Martin missing time, redshirt senior running back Lee Beebe Jr. and junior running back Turbo Richard will lead the Hoosiers’ backfield.
Beebe missed most of last season due to a torn ACL. In his first game back Saturday, Beebe rushed 14 times for 33 yards. He also made an impact as a kick returner, returning the game’s opening kickoff 67 yards.
Richard made his Hoosier debut Saturday, after transferring to the program from Boston College. Across 15 carries, Richard collected 58 yards and two touchdowns, also adding a 38-yard reception.
Defensive backs A.J. Harris and Jamari Sharpe also exited Saturday’s opener with injuries. But Cignetti does not anticipate a long-term absence for the duo.
“Yeah, I think the corners are day-to-day right now,” Cignetti said Monday.
The Hoosiers will return to Memorial Stadium for their second game of the season against Howard University at noon Sept. 12.
Follow reporters Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and Nathan Shriberg (@NShriberg and naashri@iu.edu) and columnist Elakai Anela (@elakai_anela and eanela@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
