The Big Red Carpet

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 Fernando Mendoza and what makes him a franchise cornerstone—not just as a quarterback, but as a leader and person. From there, it’s a deep dive into every Hoosier drafted, including Omar Cooper’s first-round landing spot, D’Angelo Ponds’ perfect scheme fit, and Kaelon Black’s rise into a Day 2 selection.You’ll also get insight into why teams valued players like Elijah Sarratt, Pat Coogan, and Aiden Fisher, plus a look at undrafted free agents finding their way into NFL camps.More than a recap, this episode closes the book on Indiana’s title run—and shows just how sustainable this program’s rise might be.

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 that defined Indiana’s historic run.Plus: Pro Day preview, spring football updates, and what’s next for IU football.🔔 Subscribe for more Indiana football coverage, interviews, and film breakdowns every week.

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 thatThe meteoric rise of Omar Cooper as a potential first-round pickDraft projections for Elijah SarrattThe value and leadership of Pat CooganWhy D'Angelo Ponds is one of the most technically sound DBs in this classThe football IQ that makes Aiden Fisher such a valuable NFL prospectThis episode is part Combine preview, part IU draft celebration, and part inside look at how Indiana has rebuilt a legitimate NFL pipeline.The Hoosiers aren’t just participating anymore.They’re setting the tone.

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 heater, to the defensive matchups that could tilt the outcome, this is a full, no-paywall championship preview for Hoosier fans everywhere.You’ll hear:Why the trenches will decide Indiana vs MiamiHow Indiana can neutralize Miami’s elite defensive frontWhy Fernando Mendoza is built for this moment—mentally and physicallyThe defensive keys against Miami’s run-first approachRhett’s final prediction—and why he believes Indiana finishes the jobThis episode also gives previews of the exclusive Substack interviews with Todd McShay, Sage Steele, and Bill Musgrave, giving fans a taste of the deeper analysis available to subscribers.If you want to understand why Indiana is here—and how they can win it all—this is the must-watch preview before kickoff.

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 Oregon’s shift toward 12-personnel, Indiana’s linebacker-heavy defensive identity, and why this Hoosiers team keeps winning the biggest moments despite not being built like a traditional powerhouse.This is film-level insight, trench talk, and postseason chess-match analysis — exactly what Big Red Carpet does best.👇 Comment below: What’s the single biggest key to this rematch?

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.

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 football’s biggest stage.Plus: a look at Indiana players headed to the NFL all-star circuit, including Elijah Sarratt’s Senior Bowl invite, Roman Hemby and Aiden Fisher heading to the East-West Shrine Bowl, and what these opportunities mean for IU’s national profile.Check out FutureFans, the fun way to welcome young fans to sports fandom: http://FutureFans.com/BigRedCarpet 🎄 A holiday edition of Big Red Carpet as Indiana marches toward Pasadena.👇 Comment below: What’s the biggest matchup advantage for IU vs Alabama?

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 signature throws, revisits the defining games that sealed the Heisman, and shares behind-the-scenes insight from the celebration alongside Yogi Roth and Galen Clavio.Plus: what comes next for Indiana as the Hoosiers turn their attention to the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff, and how Big Red Carpet will continue to cover every step of the journey.👇 Comment below: Which Mendoza throw best defines his Heisman season?

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: exclusive on-field reactions from Elijah Sarratt, Pat Coogan, Riley Nowakowski, Chandler Whitmer, Bryant Haines, Isaiah Jones, and Mikail Kamara.Then, Rhett looks ahead to the 2026 Rose Bowl, where No. 1 Indiana awaits the winner of Alabama vs. Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.

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 (offense + defense), behind-enemy-lines Ohio State prep, and postseason content dropping throughout December.Then Rhett begins setting the stage for next weekend’s No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Indiana battle in Indianapolis — the biggest modern game in IU football history.💬 Comment below: How confident are you heading into Indy?

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 Carpet Substack, featuring film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive interviews, including a one-on-one with Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden, who analyzes Mendoza’s Heisman campaign and NFL potential.Join the new substack at https://thebigredcarpet.substack.com/💬 Subscribe and comment below: Should Mendoza be the Heisman favorite right now?

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 Sarratt, a look at how Indiana stacks up in the first College Football Playoff rankings, and an early preview of next week’s showdown at Penn State.💬 Comment below: Should Indiana be No. 1 in the CFP rankings?

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, Aidan Fisher, and Fernando Mendoza are catching the eyes of NFL scouts.🏈 Stay tuned for the full breakdown and a look ahead to next week’s showdown vs UCLA.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — can IU keep this run going all the way to Indy?