Khobie Martin Available for Indiana’s Trip to Michigan After Injury Absence
Indiana could be getting an important piece of its backfield back for Saturday’s trip to Michigan.
Running back Khobie Martin is not listed on Indiana’s initial Big Ten availability report for the Michigan game, according to the report reviewed Wednesday evening. Under the conference’s 2026 reporting rules, players omitted from the report are considered available. That is a significant step toward Martin’s return, although his actual game participation and workload remain to be determined.
Martin suffered an arm injury early in Indiana’s season opener against North Texas and has not played since. On Monday, head coach Curt Cignetti expressed optimism about his availability for the trip to Ann Arbor.
Why Martin’s availability matters
Indiana’s rushing attack has hit a difficult stretch against two physical Big Ten defenses. The Hoosiers managed 65 rushing yards on 22 carries at Nebraska, followed by 73 yards on 29 attempts against Ohio State. Defenses have crowded the box, and Indiana has struggled to consistently create space in the run game.
Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. have carried the load, but Martin’s potential return adds another option for offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. The more important question is how Indiana deploys its personnel: better blocking, varied formations, motion and a more diverse rushing attack will matter just as much as having another healthy back.
What comes next
Indiana visits Michigan on Saturday, October 24, at Michigan Stadium. The Big Ten requires updated availability reports Thursday, Friday and again on game day, so Martin’s status should continue to be monitored. Being designated available does not by itself establish that he will receive carries.
Coach Griff’s take: Getting Martin back is welcome news, but one player alone does not fix a run game. Indiana needs to create better angles, attack more than the interior gaps and make Michigan defend the full width of the field.
Sources: Big Ten availability-reporting policy; Indiana Athletics rushing-game notebook.
