USC football will play a measuring-stick game against the national champion Indiana Hoosiers. ESPN looked at one of the Hoosiers’ new running backs, Turbo Richard.
“The Hoosiers lost their two leading rushers from last season’s championship team with running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, who combined for 2,160 yards, off to the NFL. Though they return two other productive backs in Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr., they also added production in the transfer portal with Richard, a Boston College back with a scheme-fitting skill set. The 5-8 rusher didn’t have many Power 4 offers out of high school, but one of the first programs to offer him was James Madison when Cignetti was at the helm.
“Richard had a very productive season in 2025 with 749 yards on the ground. He has a compact build that helps him play with a low center of gravity and the ability to break tackles. His running style is patient as he has a good feel to cut off the backside of blocks. He runs behind his pads and finishes runs with good demeanor. As a receiver out of the backfield, he also provides a reliable checkdown option. Cignetti noted that he liked what Richard did this spring as he will have the opportunity to be impactful and a reliable option at running back for an Indiana team that is looking to repeat.”
USC can’t let Indiana chew up the clock and real estate on slow, grinding touchdown drives. USC has to be able to generate three-and-outs against the Hoosiers’ offense and put the ball in Jayden Maiava’s hands. The Trojans’ run defense against the IU run game will be a centerpiece matchup when Lincoln Riley and Curt Cignetti coach against each other.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football opposing player scouting report – Turbo Richard, Indiana
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
