Justice Ellison, who led Indiana in rushing during the Hoosiers’ historic 2024 season, has joined the program’s coaching staff. Ellison will be a quality control coach focusing on the running backs.

Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti announced the news on Saturday, saying that Ellison had met with him to inform him of his retirement from football rather than deciding to pursue a professional career.

“He was one of our leaders last year, and (athletic director) Scott (Dolson) created the opportunity in our organization for him to help us coach as a quality control coach,” Cignetti said.

Ellison joined Indiana after 4 seasons at Wake Forest, where he totaled 1,901 yards and 15 touchdowns. With his college career beginning in 2020, he qualified for a bonus year of eligibilty, which he opted to take advantage of and play at Indiana. In his lone season with the Hoosiers, he posted 848 yards and 10 touchdowns on 159 carries.

Now, Ellison will turn his attention to the coaching ranks, joining a staff that will look to help Indiana take the next step in its ascendency. In their first season under Cignetti, the Hoosiers went 11-2, including an 8-1 mark in the Big Ten, en route to a first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. The 11 wins are a program record.