Indiana Labeled 'Top School' For No. 1 Running Back in Transfer Portal

Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana Labeled 'Top School' For No. 1 Running Back in Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 2:18 PM ET

The Indiana Hoosiers are set to take on the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship game. At 15-0, they're looking to keep the perfect season alive, which has also included a Big Ten title.

While preparing for Miami, head coach Curt Cignetti prepares for the future. That includes navigating the transfer portal. According to On3, over 3,200 players entered.

The Hoosiers have already capitalized, landing 17 commitments. It's currently the top-ranked group in the nation. Indiana isn't done either and may soon be adding to its running back room.

After the season, Indiana is set to lose its top two running backs, Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, both of whom are exhausting their eligibility.

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Hoosiers will need replacements and have quickly gotten to work. In an article from On3's Pete Nakos, he connects Indiana to former Michigan State Spartans running back Makhi Frazier.

"As On3’s Steve Wiltfong and I have indicated in recent days, Indiana looms as the top school to watch for the Big Ten transfer running back," Nakos wrote.

This past season, he appeared in nine games for the Spartans. Frazier rushed for 520 yards and two touchdowns on 116 carries. On3 Industry Rankings place him as the top running back uncommitted in the transfer portal.

Coming out of high school in the 2024 cycle, he was a three-star recruit, the No. 131 running back and the No. 1,689 player in the nation. Frazier has two more years of eligibility.

If he lands with the Hoosiers, it would be their second running back addition. Indiana has already landed former Boston College Eagles running back Turbo Richard.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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