Indiana football might be on the verge of landing a key addition to its backfield - and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Boston College running back Turbo Richard, a sophomore who entered the transfer portal earlier this week, has been predicted to commit to Indiana, according to a crystal ball projection logged Tuesday morning by 247Sports’ Tony Morrell. Richard, originally from North Carolina, has drawn attention from several programs, but Indiana appears to be in a strong position to land him.
And make no mistake - the Hoosiers have a real need at the position. With Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black both out of eligibility, Indiana is set to lose its top two rushers heading into 2026. That opens the door for younger backs like Khobie Martin to take on a bigger role, while Lee Beebe Jr. is expected to return - assuming he stays in Bloomington.
Richard would bring immediate experience and production to a room that’s about to get a lot younger. This past season, he posted 749 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 145 carries, averaging a solid 5.2 yards per attempt. He also proved to be a reliable option in the passing game, hauling in 30 catches for 213 yards and two more scores.
He’s not the bruising, downhill runner like Hemby or Ty Son Lawton, but he’s not a pure scatback either. Physically, he’s more in the mold of a Justice Ellison - a versatile, well-rounded back who can create mismatches in space and contribute on all three downs. That kind of profile could fit nicely into what Indiana is building offensively.
For a program navigating a transition period and looking to retool quickly, adding a player like Richard would be a smart move. He’s already shown he can produce at the Power Five level, and if the Hoosiers can close the deal, they’ll be adding a proven playmaker to a backfield that’s about to undergo a major facelift.
Keep an eye on this one - it could be a big win for Indiana as it looks to reload and stay competitive in the ever-evolving Big Ten landscape.