Indiana got through its season opener with a lopsided win, but the 52-16 rout of North Texas came with a price.
Curt Cignetti’s team entered Week 1 in good shape physically, yet left Memorial Stadium dealing with injuries to three important players: cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jamari Sharpe, plus running back Khobie Martin.
Harris, the Penn State transfer, and Sharpe both went down in the first half with undisclosed injuries and did not return. Cignetti sounded optimistic afterward, saying, "They will be back," and adding, "Those are not long term deals." He didn’t say whether either player would be available next week against Howard, but the early read is that both injuries are short term.
Their exits forced Indiana to turn to Jaylen Bell and Ryland Gandy at corner. Bell, a second-year player with limited experience, handled the moment well.
Gandy, who had been battling Harris for a starting job during fall camp, also delivered a strong performance. With both starters sidelined, that depth suddenly mattered a lot.
Martin’s situation appears more serious. The redshirt sophomore suffered a fractured forearm early in the game and never recorded a carry before leaving. Cignetti said, “He might be out a little bit,” which is the kind of update Indiana didn’t want to hear on a player coming into what looked like a possible breakout season.
Martin had already shown what he can do. Last season, while working as Indiana’s RB3 behind Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, the Fishers, IN native ran for 505 yards, averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. The arrow was pointing up for 2026, though that rise may be pushed back now.
For the moment, Indiana has to lean on other backs. Boston College transfer Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. carried the load after Martin went down, and both answered.
Richard rushed 15 times for 58 yards and scored twice, while also flashing on special teams. Beebe added 14 carries for 33 yards and had a touchdown wiped out by a holding call.
Indiana escaped Week 1 with a dominant result, but the injury report is the real storyline coming out of Saturday. Harris and Sharpe sound like they could be back soon. Martin’s recovery, at least based on Cignetti’s update, may take longer.
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Indiana Backfield Suddenly Faces An Early Concern Fans Didn't Expect
Indianas season opener against North Texas did not even make it through the first quarter before the backfield picture got a lot murkier. Khobie Martin, who was expected to be a key part of the Hoosiers running back rotation this fall, left with an upper body injury and did not return, an abrupt development for a player the staff likely counted on to help steady the run game.
Martin never got a carry before exiting, which only adds to the concern because Indiana was looking for early signs of how its rotation would come together. When a projected contributor is forced out that quickly, it puts immediate pressure on the rest of the depth chart and leaves the Hoosiers waiting for a clearer update on how long they may have to manage without him. [Read more 🡒]
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The timing only adds to the concern for Indiana, which had already seen Harris miss part of fall camp with a knee issue. He was later spotted limping after leaving the game, leaving the Hoosiers with an early test in a position battle that suddenly looks a lot more precarious than it did a week ago. [Read more 🡒]
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For Indiana, the timing makes this more than a routine stop on the recruiting trail. Wabbingtons visit gives the Hoosiers a real chance to sell both their vision and their fit in the paint, even as other major programs continue to push for his attention. In a crowded race for an elite center, simply getting him on campus is a meaningful step, and one Indiana will be eager to turn into more. [Read more 🡒]