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The Big Red Carpet is your weekly deep dive into Indiana Hoosiers football. Hosted by Rhett Lewis of Big Ten Network and the NFL Network, each episode breaks down the biggest games, players, and storylines from Bloomington and the Big Ten. Follow for smart analysis, insider insight, and all things IU football—delivered every week.
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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 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.
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 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?
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 aggressive and intentional.You’ll also hear insight on new edge rushers, secondary reinforcements, and how Indiana’s coaching staff is prioritizing pressure, versatility, and one-on-one matchup wins on both sides of the ball. Plus, a behind-the-scenes story involving Nick Marsh, Keyshawn Johnson, and what “get me the damn ball” really means at the highest level.This is how elite programs sustain success — and Indiana is operating like one.👇 Comment below: Which portal addition excites you the most?
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, why stopping the run remains the non-negotiable priority, and how Bryant Haines’ pressure packages must evolve without Stephen Daley in the lineup. He also breaks down the chess match between Indiana’s offense and Alabama’s late-game man-coverage tendencies — and what that means for Fernando Mendoza, Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper, and Charlie Becker.Then, Rhett is joined by Indiana football legend Micah McFadden, former Hoosier linebacker and current New York Giant. McFadden shares what has impressed him most about Indiana’s defense, how the linebacker group carries the identity of the unit, and why this team reminds him of the best IU defenses he’s been part of. He also reflects on watching Indiana’s run through the Big Ten — and enjoying plenty of locker-room trash talk along the way.This is a moment worth savoring — and a standard that’s here to stay.Roll out the Big Red Carpet.
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?
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 Bryant Haines can create problems, and the biggest chess-match elements—especially with IU adjusting up front without Stephen Daley. The guys also hit the rest of the bracket: Miami’s 10–3 win over Texas A&M and Ole Miss’ 41–10 win over Tulane (and what those results suggest about the next round). Plus: live audience questions, injury updates, portal/roster-building discussion, and Pasadena meetup plans leading into Rose Bowl week.
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?
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 SubstackRhett also addresses the toughest news of the postseason: Stephen Daley’s season-ending injury, what it means for Indiana’s defensive front, and the different schematic and personnel options available to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines heading into the playoff matchup.Plus: Substack updates, upcoming film breakdowns, and what’s next for IU during the three-week break before kickoff in Pasadena.Comment below: Drop a throw you want to see featured on the Mendoza highlight reel post in the comments!
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.
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 Carpet Substack, including Purdue offensive/defensive film studies, behind-enemy-lines breakdowns, and the full video scouting report for Ohio State.Plus — Rhett plays a clip from his exclusive interview with former Ohio State and NFL LB Bobby Carpenter, who breaks down Matt Patricia’s defense, Brian Hartline’s future, and how OSU will try to slow Fernando Mendoza.👇 Comment below: What’s the biggest key for Indiana to pull off the upset in Lucas Oil?
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?
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 Katic, captain of last year’s 66–0 win over Purdue, reflecting on what it felt like to raise the Bucket in the snow.💬 Drop your predictions below — how does Indiana finish the regular season?
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 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, Curt Cignetti’s emotional postgame moment, and an early look at next week’s Senior Day showdown vs. Wisconsin.💬 Comment below: Was Omar Cooper’s catch the best in IU football history?
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 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 culture continues to raise the bar every week. Rhett and the crew also look ahead to the upcoming matchup at Maryland and what it’ll take to keep the perfect run alive.
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?
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