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

Indiana Football Schedule Reveal: Big Noon Kickoff, North Texas Storylines & Big Ten Road Tests

Indiana football’s first five game times are officially set — and the Hoosiers are opening the season in the national spotlight. On this episode of The Big Red Carpet, Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana’s early-season schedule, starting with a Big Noon Kickoff opener against North Texas at Memorial Stadium. Rhett looks at the return storyline around former IU quarterback Tayven Jackson, the challenge of facing a rebuilt North Texas team, and what the opening stretch tells us about Indiana’s place in the national college football conversation. Rhett also previews the rest of IU’s announced schedule windows, including Howard on Big Ten Network, a tricky Peacock matchup with Western Kentucky, a Friday night Big Ten opener against Northwestern, and an October road trip to Rutgers. Plus: Curt Cignetti’s Indy 500 moment, the upcoming Substack film sessions on Joe Brunner and Indiana’s Kansas State defensive line transfers, and a quick look ahead to a difficult October slate featuring Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan and Washington. Subscribe for more Indiana football coverage, transfer portal film sessions, Big Ten schedule analysis, and insider perspective from Rhett Lewis on 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.