Maryland transfer running back Roman Hemby announces commitment to IU football

The IU football program made a big splash in the transfer portal when it landed Maryland running back Roman Hemby on Monday.

The news was reported by Pete Nakos of On3.com. He visited Indiana over the weekend.

Hemby was a vital part of Maryland’s success over the last three years, combining for 2,347 yards across four years with 22 touchdowns and a 4.9 yard per carry average.

This year was the lowest usage Hemby saw outside of his redshirt freshman season. He had 134 carries for 607 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 40 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. His best game this season was against Indiana, when he ran for 117 yards and a touchdown. He was one of just two players this year to have 100+ yards against the Hoosiers. He also had five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in that game.

In 2023, Hemby ran for 680 yards and had four touchdowns and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention.

His best season came in 2022, however, when he had 989 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry — both career highs.

IU football will be losing its top two rushers this season, Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton. The duo has combined for 1,445 yards and 22 touchdowns this year will averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

They became the first set of Indiana running backs to total 10+ rushing touchdowns in the same season. In total, Indiana’s 37 rushing touchdowns tied the most in a single season in program history.

Hemby joins UAB running back Lee Beebe Jr as the running back additions through the transfer portal for Indiana.

Kaelon Black is the only returning running back for IU from the 2024 season.

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