The Big Red Carpet

Indiana’s Historic NFL Draft: Breaking Down Every Hoosier Pick and What Comes Next

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.

Big Red Carpet x CrimsonCast: NFL Draft Preview + Where Indiana’s Stars Could Land (Mendoza, Cooper Jr., Ponds, Sarratt & More)

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 with real draft momentum — including Omar Cooper Jr., D’Angelo Ponds, Elijah Sarratt, Aidan Fisher, and more. They also discuss why IU’s developmental pipeline under Curt Cignetti and OC Mike Shanahan is now a tangible NFL selling point, and how “you can’t buy that marketing” moments change recruiting, perception, and portal choices.

Pat Coogan Interview: Indiana OL Leader on National Title Run, Fernando Mendoza & NFL Draft | Big Red Carpet

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.

Omar Cooper Jr. Interview 🔥 | The Penn State Catch, 4.42 Speed & NFL Draft Rise | Big Red Carpet

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 that defined Indiana’s championship season, the mindset behind his elite run-after-catch ability, and what he’s learned from playing alongside Fernando Mendoza and under Curt Cignetti. Topics include: * Cooper’s mindset entering the NFL Draft process * His 4.42 Combine 40 time and the reaction afterward * What teams ask during NFL interviews * The culture that fueled Indiana’s national championship run * The story behind that Penn State catch It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football and a rising star preparing for the NFL.

Indiana Football at the NFL Combine 🔥 | Fernando #1 Overall? | Omar Cooper Rising | Big Red Carpet

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 that * The meteoric rise of Omar Cooper as a potential first-round pick * Draft projections for Elijah Sarratt * The value and leadership of Pat Coogan * Why D'Angelo Ponds is one of the most technically sound DBs in this class * The football IQ that makes Aiden Fisher such a valuable NFL prospect This 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.