CrimsonCast

Galen Clavio is joined by Taylor Lehman to put a bow on Indiana football’s national championship run — starting with what actually happened in the title game against Miami, why it got dicey in the third quarter, and the handful of pivotal moments (including the blocked punt TD and the late interception) that slammed the door. From there, it’s a forward-looking, roster-building deep dive: how Indiana replaces key departures (including Stephen Daley, Aidan Fisher, D’Angelo Ponds, and Lewis Moore), why continuity with Curt Cignetti’s staff matters, and what the portal class says about the program’s “production over potential” strategy heading into 2026 — with detailed talk on Josh Hoover at QB, the tight end depth concern, and why the new wide receiver room could be even nastier. Presented by Homefield Apparel and Posh Hotel Bloomington.

Galen Clavio breaks down Indiana men’s basketball’s wild 98–97 double-overtime win over UCLA—a huge résumé boost that stabilizes IU’s NCAA Tournament outlook and changes the tone of February.Galen covers the late-game decision not to foul, the offensive explosion from Nick Dorn, Lamar Wilkerson, and Reed Bailey, and what the efficiency trendlines say about where Indiana is improving (and where the defense still has to tighten up). He also digs into some of the factors that showed up at Pauley Pavilion, updated tournament odds, and what Indiana needs to do over the next month—starting with a late-night trip to USC.

Galen Clavio welcomes Bill Connelly (ESPN) — the creator of SP+ — for a deep, nuts-and-bolts look at Indiana football’s unprecedented rise to the top of college football and what it means going forward.They discuss why Indiana’s two-year climb under Curt Cignetti is so difficult to comp historically, what the numbers say about how Indiana won (elite down-to-down efficiency, red zone performance, and consistently winning field position), and why “just use the portal” is a lazy explanation that doesn’t match the underlying inputs.Bill also explains how SP+ balances efficiency vs explosiveness, why special teams are so hard to measure (but can decide championships), where Indiana’s title team fits among recent champions, and how returning production + incoming production help shape early projections for 2026.

Galen Clavio is joined by Olivia Ray to relive Miami during national championship weekend—from the lead-up and media-day vibe to the chaos around the stadium, credentialed access, and what it was like working on the field as Indiana finished the job.They talk about how Indiana carried itself all week, the strange “everyone-get-inside-early” atmosphere around Hard Rock Stadium, and the surreal postgame sprint when confetti starts falling and everything happens at once. Plus: the ripple effect among IU alumni and longtime program staff, and a big announcement—Olivia is launching a new Back Home Network show, “Raise the Flag.”

Galen Clavio is joined by special guest Grace Ybarra to relive the unforgettable CFP National Championship weekend in Miami—the 48-hour blur of events, fan moments, stadium chaos, and the emotional whiplash of watching Indiana win it all.They walk through everything from the Homefield events (including the packed night at Mickey Burkes with Straight No Chaser) to the American Social gathering on game day, the tailgating scene outside Hard Rock Stadium, and what it was like inside the building as Indiana pulled off the championship win over Miami.Most importantly, this episode is about the feeling: what it’s like to experience a once-in-a-lifetime sports moment alongside other Hoosiers, meet strangers who instantly become friends, and realize—slowly, then all at once—that Indiana football really became national champions.

You know Andy Bottoms from Assembly Call, but he’s also a lifelong IU Football fan. For Andy, football—and Memorial Stadium in particular—represents a deep, personal connection shared with his father.Wanted to get him on to talk about his history with IU Football, and what this season and journey to a National Championship has meant to him.

Join CrimsonCast and the Back Home Network as we talk about IU Football's 2026 schedule release, Indiana's win over Purdue in men's basketball, recruiting news, questions about the football team, and more.

Galen welcomes Alex Paul of Hoosiers Connect fame to the podcast for an in-depth conversation and look back at the "Stampede To Pasadena" --- the cross-country trip that Alex and GC took to see Indiana football play in their first Rose Bowl Game in nearly 60 years. We discuss the origins of the plan to drive across country, how the drive (and the social media content) slowly took shape as the trip continued, and the culmination of Indiana fans' hopes and dreams in the 38-3 demolition of Alabama in Pasadena. Also included are a variety of images from the stampede, showcasing some of the interesting and fun moments that we found along the way.For fans of travelogues and for those of you who followed the Stampede as closely as you did, this podcast should answer some questions for you! We appreciate everyone who took part, donated money, and followed along on social media.

You know Coach Tonsoni from Assembly Call, but he has also been a long time IU Football season ticket holder. Wanted to get him on to talk about his history with IU Football, and what this season and journey to a National Championship has meant to him.

Indiana football’s historic season officially gets its punctuation mark.On this episode of CrimsonCast, Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield reflect on Indiana’s championship celebration at Memorial Stadium, what the moment meant for fans and the program, and why holding the event in the stadium mattered — even in brutal weather. From there, the conversation widens into the big picture: roster decisions, NFL calculus for players, national perception shifts, and how Indiana’s run may have fundamentally changed the way college football can be built.The guys dive deep into why Indiana’s championship matters beyond Bloomington, how Curt Cignetti’s approach challenges long-held assumptions about recruiting and roster construction, and why the Hoosiers’ rise is sending shockwaves through the sport. This is both a celebration of what just happened — and a thoughtful look at what comes next for Indiana football and college football as a whole.

Indiana are national champions, and Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield finally sit down to process what that means — on the field and emotionally — after Indiana’s 27–21 championship win over Miami to complete an undefeated season.They break down the game itself: how Indiana weathered Miami’s surges, why the Hoosiers’ ability to respond every time was decisive, and how a collection of clutch plays from Fernando Mendoza, Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., Roman Hemby, Kellen Black, and the defense sealed the title.But this episode is also about the experience of Indiana football fandom — the long wait, the shared moments in Miami, Pasadena, Atlanta, and Bloomington, and why this championship feels different from simple joy. It’s a reflection on belief, perspective, and what it’s like when something you never quite expected finally arrives.

From the balcony of CrimsonCast's Bison Camp in South Florida, GC shares some observations and thoughts from Media Day and gives some updates on tickets, timing, and some of the media content that has resonated over the last few days.

In our last preview episode of the 2025 College Football Season, Galen Clavio and Taylor Lehman do a 12-round evaluation of Indiana football's Championship Game match-up with the Miami Hurricanes. We discuss the statistical breakdown of the two teams, where the Hoosiers' strengths lie, and where Miami will attempt to disrupt Indiana on both offense and defense. We discuss various scenarios, go down some statistical rabbit holes, and try to give as full a picture as we can of the most momentous game in Indiana football history.

Get ready for "Championship Cash" on Crimson Cash, where Scott and James are here for a gambling show ahead of the National Championship! Scott and James discuss the unbelievable run Indiana University has been on. James, an IU football fan since the 1987 Old Oaken Bucket game, admits he was convinced he would see Jesus return before IU ever won a national championship. For both Scott and James, this season's success, which includes getting to and winning a Big Ten title, is far beyond what they ever imagined.The episode gives shoutouts to sponsors Homefield Apparel and Posh Hotel in Bloomington. Homefield Apparel is sponsoring a live show on Sunday night, so check their socials for details. The Posh Hotel in Bloomington has the "Curt Cignetti Room," which is the place to be if you are coming into Bloomington for the game's festivities.Scott and James are loving hearing from listeners about their future bets. Scott shares that he has an IU National Championship bet and cashed out on a bet for IU to make the College Football Playoff (CFP). James gave a "Hoosier Hot Streak" pick earlier in the season, telling listeners to bet money on IU to win the national championship at plus 600 odds.When it comes to the game, the guys are focused on making some gambling money. They dive into the betting odds, including the spread, which started at five and a half and has been bet up to eight and a half, with tickets pouring in on the Hoosiers. They look at historical data showing favorites have not only covered the spread in the last five championship games but have covered in style. The public is heavily on the Hoosiers, with 76% to 78% of the tickets, meaning "Vegas really needs Miami".James likes the Hoosiers to cover the eight-and-a-half-point spread, predicting the team will "play joyless murder ball and destroy" Miami, breaking their will to live. The conversation also covers:Alternate spreads, with Scott liking IU at minus 13 and a half.Taking IU's third quarter spread at minus one and a half, as IU has "dominated the third quarter this year".Anytime touchdown scorers, with James liking Omar Cooper and Scott liking Nowakowski based on the odds.The importance of the first two drives of the game and how an early pick six could put an "unbelievable amount of doubt in Miami's head"Scott closes the show by expressing his emotions about seeing his team in a championship, and James notes he's not as nervous as he usually is for games. Scott offers advice for anyone going to Miami: "be early, be ready, be loud, and stay never daunted". Don't miss this one!

GC is joined by The Big Red Carpet's Rhett Lewis to break down the matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes. We talk about the strengths of both teams, what we learned from both teams' progressions through the College Football Playoff, and evaluate the physical challenges that Miami could pose to the Hoosiers. We also discuss how Indiana's coaching staff and players are navigating an unprecedented week, and how we as observers are processing things as Championship gameday gets closer.

We are joined once again on CrimsonCast by Olivia Ray of ABC 57 to talk about Indiana football's comments and vibes as we head into the weekend. Olivia gives us some notes and feedback from the various press availabilities that both Indiana and Miami have held this week, and also checks in on the way that Indiana football alums are approaching the Hoosiers playing in a title game.

Connor and GC talk about the the explosion of Indiana football fandom among the Hoosier alumni base, the insane journey of the last two years for longtime IU football fans, and the feeling going into a game that didn't seem like a possibility before the arrival of Curt Cignetti.

As we get you ready for Indiana's Championship Game appearance, BHN brings you a touch of culture from South Florida. Jacqueline Coleman (@HistoryAndWine on Instagram), a food and wine writer in Miami and Star Wine List representative, gives us some tips on high-quality, unique, and exciting places to eat and drink while in Miami. She also gives us some information on Hard Rock Stadium transportation, parking, and food.

It's National Championship Week on Crimson Cast! Scott welcomes back Connor Onion from the Big Ten Network to preview the national championship game. Scott and Connor discuss Indiana University's unbelievable football run, which includes wins against Ohio State, Alabama, and Oregon. Connor Onion shares his perspective as a Big Ten observer, noting that Indiana's defense is sound, with players who "beat blocks" and are "sound tackling". The discussion compares the Indiana team to the 2019 LSU team. Other topics include Head Coach Curt Cignetti's "superpower" and the team's chip-on-the-shoulder mentality.Scott and Connor preview the game against Miami, with Connor suggesting Miami may try to play ball control. They also discuss the impressive fan turnout for Indiana at the Rose Bowl and in Atlanta. Connor Onion, who is wearing his Homefield jacket, agrees to join the show after the game to recap, hopefully from a championship parade.

Galen Clavio is joined by Matt Dollinger of The Ringer for a thoughtful conversation about the nature of Indiana football fandom—where it’s been, why this moment feels different, and how decades of shared memory shape the way Hoosiers are experiencing a historic run.They dig into Matt’s recent Ringer piece on Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers, unpacking the emotional throughline of Indiana fandom, the weight of long-suffering loyalty, and what it’s like when a program suddenly flips the script on the national stage. The discussion also explores how culture, belief, and perspective have changed around IU football—and why this season resonates beyond wins and losses.