Welcome, Hoosier fans to the 2025 Hoosier Huddle Countdown! Over the next 100 days the Hoosier Huddle staff will feature every player on the 2025 roster in anticipation of the season opener on August 30th against Old Dominion. Today, we look back at legendary Indiana running back Vaughn Dunbar.
COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: #26 Vaughn Dunbar
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 204 pounds
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN (Snider)
Years with Hoosiers: 1990-1991
A homegrown prospect out of Fort Wayne, Vaughn Dunbar needed just two seasons with the Hoosiers to become one of the most legendary running backs to come out of Bloomington. Following a brief stint at Oklahoma A&M College, Dunbar found himself with big shoes to fill as he accepted a scholarship offer to become Indiana’s replacement for the recently graduated Anthony Thompson.
During Dunbar’s first season with the Hoosiers in 1990, he quickly impressed by totaling 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns. Dunbar helped lead the Hoosiers to a 6-5-1 record and a Peach Bowl matchup against Auburn. Despite being named the Offensive MVP, Dunbar was not able to lead the Hoosiers to victory, as they lost 27-23.
While 1990 was an impressive season, it was 1991 where Dunbar truly broke out. He rushed for a whopping 1,805 yards (2nd best in the nation) and 12 touchdowns. Dunbar capped off this breakout season by rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown in IU’s 24-0 Copper Bowl victory over Baylor. This impressive performance earned him a second bowl game Offensive MVP award.
Following the 1991 season, Dunbar was named a consensus All-American and recipient of the Jim Brown Award for top collegiate running back, in addition to finishing 6th in Heisman voting. Dunbar was selected to the New Orleans Saints with the 21st pick in the draft, where he played for three seasons.
Known for his blackout visor (which he had long before Ladainian Tomlinson) and quick cuts, Dunbar helped pave the way for the next generation of Hoosier running backs and was one of two Hoosiers added to the College Football Hall of Fame Ballot for 2025.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day, so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!
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