The Big Red Carpet

Indiana football’s first five game times are officially set — and the Hoosiers are opening the season in the national spotlight. On this episode of The Big Red Carpet , Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana’s early-season schedule, starting with a Big Noon Kickoff opener against North Texas at Memorial Stadium. Rhett looks at the return storyline around former IU quarterback Tayven Jackson, the challeng...

Indiana football just turned a championship season into a historic NFL Draft. On this episode of The Big Red Carpet, Rhett Lewis recaps a record-setting weekend for the Hoosiers, with eight players selected—breaking a program mark that had stood for nearly 50 years and signaling a new era for IU football. Rhett takes you pick-by-pick through the class, starting with No. 1 overall selection Fernand...

It’s a CrimsonCast x The Big Red Carpet crossover as Galen Clavio and Rhett Lewis preview the NFL Draft and break down where Indiana’s championship stars could go — and what a massive draft weekend would mean for the IU football brand moving forward. They start with the headliner: Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, then run through the next wave of Hoosiers...

Rhett Lewis sits down with Indiana center Pat Coogan for an in-depth conversation on The Big Red Carpet . Coogan reflects on his journey from Notre Dame to Indiana, breaking down the Hoosiers’ national championship season, his leadership on the offensive line, and his path to the NFL Draft. He also shares incredible insight on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, what makes him special, and the moments t...

Rhett Lewis sits down with Indiana national champion wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. for an in-depth conversation on the latest episode of The Big Red Carpet . From his legendary Penn State game-winning catch to blazing a 4.42 forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine , Cooper reflects on his journey from Indiana breakout star to potential first-round NFL Draft pick . Rhett and Omar dive into the moments t...

Live from Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rhett Lewis and special guest Galen Clavio break down a historic moment for Indiana Hoosiers football. For the first time in program history, Indiana isn’t just sending players to the Combine — they may have the No. 1 overall pick since the 1930s . Rhett and Galen dive into: Why Fernando Mendoza is QB1 — and why the pre-draft “noise” won’t change...

Rhett Lewis delivers his first official podcast comments on last night's incredible victory for Indiana over the Miami Hurricanes, as the Hoosiers claim the first National Championship in program history.

Live from Miami, Rhett Lewis delivers the most comprehensive Big Red Carpet preview yet as Indiana Hoosiers prepare for the national championship game. After media day and direct conversations with Indiana players and coaches—as well as key voices around the sport—Rhett breaks down exactly how this game will be decided. From the battle at the line of scrimmage, to Fernando Mendoza’s historic heate...

Rhett gives his initial thoughts on Indiana's 56-22 victory over Oregon in the Peach Bowl and the CFP Semifinal.

Live from Atlanta, Rhett Lewis is joined by former Oregon offensive lineman and NFL veteran Geoff Schwartz for a deep, honest breakdown of the Indiana–Oregon Peach Bowl rematch . The two dive into why Indiana won the first meeting in Eugene, how pressure and discipline defined the game, and what Oregon must change to flip the outcome. They also compare Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore , discuss Or...

Indiana isn’t slowing down — it’s reloading . Rhett Lewis breaks down a massive day in the transfer portal as the Hoosiers continue to build on the most successful season in program history. From the expected arrival of quarterback Josh Hoover to the addition of Nick Marsh , one of the most physically imposing wide receivers in the Big Ten, Rhett explains why Indiana’s portal strategy is both aggr...

On this special edition of BRC, Rhett Lewis recaps an amazing day for Indiana football as the Hoosiers defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 to win the Rose Bowl and move on to the CFP Semifinals.

On the eve of Indiana’s first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968, Rhett Lewis delivers his final, big-picture keys for the Hoosiers’ matchup with Alabama — focusing on mindset, defensive pressure, offensive adaptability, and why Indiana’s physical identity still gives them an edge on college football’s biggest stage. Rhett explains how Curt Cignetti’s messaging keeps complacency out of the building,...

Rhett Lewis dives into Indiana’s upcoming Rose Bowl showdown with Alabama , breaking down what the tape shows from the Crimson Tide’s win over Oklahoma and where the Hoosiers can find advantages on both sides of the ball. Rhett analyzes Alabama’s defensive structure, coverage tendencies, and pressure looks — and explains how Fernando Mendoza’s processing and poise will be tested on college footbal...

It’s a CrimsonCast x The Big Red Carpet crossover as Galen Clavio and Rhett Lewis break down the first three College Football Playoff games —with the deepest focus on Alabama’s 34–24 comeback win at Oklahoma and what it tells us about the Tide heading into the Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal vs Indiana . They discuss what worked (and what still looks vulnerable) for Alabama, how Indiana’s defense under...

History made. Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner — the first in Indiana football history — and Rhett Lewis takes you inside one of the most meaningful moments the program has ever experienced. Rhett reflects on the New York City ceremony, why Mendoza’s season was defined by moments (not just numbers) , and how Indiana’s rise made this win feel inevitable. He breaks down Fernando’s...

Rhett Lewis checks in with Hoosier fans as Indiana continues its march toward the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff . Rhett previews the Heisman Trophy ceremony , explains why Fernando Mendoza’s biggest moments define this season, and outlines plans for live Substack coverage following Saturday night’s announcement. SUBSCRIBE to the Big Red Carpet Substack Rhett also addresses the toughes...

The Indiana Hoosiers are Big Ten Champions — outright for the first time since 1945 — and Rhett Lewis takes you inside the sights, sounds, emotions, and strategy behind one of the greatest wins in IU football history. Rhett breaks down Indiana’s physical win over Ohio State, the toughness of Fernando Mendoza, the dominance of IU’s defense, and the brilliance of the coaching staff’s game plan. Plus...

It’s finally here. Rhett Lewis delivers a full Big Ten Championship Game preview as No. 2 Indiana prepares to face No. 1 Ohio State in the biggest matchup of the modern era. He discusses Indiana’s All–Big Ten defensive honors, the coaching stability edge heading into Saturday, and what the film shows about Ohio State’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Rhett also shares updates from the Big Red Carpe...

Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana’s 56–3 demolition of Purdue , the Hoosiers’ first-ever Big Ten Championship Game berth , and what it means to cap the regular season 12–0 . Rhett explains how IU dominated on the ground, overwhelmed Purdue defensively, and continued one of the most remarkable seasons in college football. He also updates fans on the Big Red Carpet Substack , with new film breakdowns...

It’s Purdue Week on The Big Red Carpet! Rhett Lewis dives deep into what the Old Oaken Bucket means to Indiana players, coaches, and fans — past and present. He shares his own rivalry memories, looks back at legendary IU–Purdue moments, and previews this year’s matchup with a full Purdue scouting report. Plus: Rhett gives an exclusive preview of his Substack interview with IU football alumnus Mike...

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s 31-7 win over Wisconsin , as the Hoosiers move to 11-0 for the first time in school history and keep their CFP dreams alive. He breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s record-breaking performance , a dominant second-half defensive shutout, and what makes this team one of the most complete in college football. Plus — huge news for fans: Rhett officially launches the Big Red Carp...

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s historic first-ever win at Penn State, as the Hoosiers improve to 10-0 and keep their College Football Playoff push alive. Rhett breaks down Omar Cooper’s unforgettable game-winning touchdown, Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-level drive, and the clutch defensive stand that set it all up. Plus: analysis of Indiana’s offensive adjustments, Bryant Haines’ resilient defense, Cu...

Rhett Lewis breaks down another dominant Indiana Hoosiers performance — a 55-10 road win at Maryland, the program’s largest road victory since 1988. Rhett analyzes Fernando Mendoza’s command of the offense, the ground-game explosion with 367 rushing yards, and Bryant Haines’ defense that forced five takeaways and continues to rank among the nation’s elite. Plus: updates on Aiden Fisher and Elijah...

Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana’s 56–6 demolition of UCLA — another dominant performance that cements the Hoosiers as one of the nation’s elite. Rhett highlights the brilliance of Bryant Haines’ defense, the precision of Fernando Mendoza, and the playmakers powering IU’s undefeated season. Plus: insight on Aiden Fisher’s status, the offensive fireworks from E.J. Williams, and why this team’s cultu...