The Big Red Carpet

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...

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s dominant win over Michigan State as the Hoosiers climb to No. 2 in the nation — their highest ranking ever. Rhett breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s near-perfect day, EJ Williams’ comeback story, and another strong defensive showing as IU stays unbeaten. Then, Rhett is joined by Drew Fabianich , Executive Director of the Senior Bowl , to discuss how IU stars like Lou Moore...

Rhett Lewis is joined by Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson to talk about the Hoosiers’ monumental road win at Oregon — and how the alignment and investment behind the scenes are powering IU football’s rise. Then Rhett breaks down the Oregon game drive-by-drive, from Fernando Mendoza’s clutch throws and Elijah Sarratt’s dominance to the defense’s game-sealing moments. Indiana isn’t just winnin...

Rhett Lewis previews Indiana’s huge Top-10 showdown at Oregon — the Hoosiers’ toughest test yet. He revisits IU’s legendary 2004 upset in Eugene, breaks down what makes Dan Lanning and the Ducks so dangerous, and explains how Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosiers can pull off another road statement win.

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s 5-0 start after a hard-fought win at Iowa. From the bizarre ending with the victory formation to Fernando Mendoza’s clutch throws and the defense stepping up shorthanded, Rhett explains why this was the kind of test IU needed before the showdown with Oregon.

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s blowout win over Illinois, breaking down the blocked punt, Fernando Mendoza’s pinpoint passing, and a dominant defensive effort. Plus, a look ahead to the Hoosiers’ first Big Ten road test at Iowa — and why Curt Cignetti’s culture has this team built for consistency.

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s 73–0 win over Indiana State and looks ahead to a top-10 showdown with Illinois. From Fernando Mendoza’s big-time throws to breakout performances and injury updates, Rhett breaks down the keys for IU to pull off a statement win in Bloomington.

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s 56–9 rout of Kennesaw State , breaking down film on Riley Nowakowski’s blocking, Fernando Mendoza’s breakout performance, and Elijah Surratt’s three touchdowns. Plus, we spotlight IU’s three-headed rushing attack, examine Bryant Haines’ defense, and look ahead to Indiana State and Illinois. Hoosier fans — the Big Red Carpet has you covered every week.

Rhett Lewis (NFL Network) rolls out The Big Red Carpet to recap Indiana’s 27–14 Week 1 win over Old Dominion. What impressed, what needs cleaning up, and how it all sets the tone for September—plus a quick look ahead to Kennesaw State and the return of Dexter Williams to Bloomington. Highlights: Defense controlled the day outside a couple QB keepers Run game punch from Roman Hemby & Kaelon Bla...

Smart, insider analysis of IU football — every week. The debut episode of The Big Red Carpet is here! Host Rhett Lewis (NFL Network) welcomes Guy Haberman , the voice behind the legendary “Big Red Carpet” call from IU’s 2024 season. They relive that unforgettable moment and talk about what it meant for Indiana football. Rhett also breaks down his top five Hoosiers to watch in 2025 , why the offens...

The Back Home Network is thrilled to welcome Rhett Lewis to the family! Rhett will be hosting a brand new show on the network. "The Big Red Carpet" will air on Monday nights at 7 PM eastern throughout football season, as Rhett brings his experience and perspective as a football analyst and former Indiana football player.