The Big Red Carpet

Rhett Lewis
  • 4.9 (15)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. JAN 20

    Indiana is the National Champions

    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.

    12 min

  2. JAN 18

    Indiana vs Miami National Championship Preview | Rhett Lewis Breaks It All Down | Big Red Carpet

    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 job This 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.

    21 min

  3. JAN 11

    Peach Bowl Reaction Show

    Rhett gives his initial thoughts on Indiana's 56-22 victory over Oregon in the Peach Bowl and the CFP Semifinal.

    21 min

  4. JAN 8

    Indiana vs Oregon Peach Bowl Preview: Rhett Lewis & Geoff Schwartz Break Down the Matchup

    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?

    30 min

  5. JAN 5

    Indiana Dominates the Transfer Portal! Rhett Lewis on Josh Hoover, Nick Marsh & IU’s Reload

    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?

    18 min

  6. JAN 2

    Rose Bowl Thoughts with Rhett Lewis

    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.

    13 min

  7. JAN 1

    Final Rose Bowl Keys + Micah McFadden on Indiana’s Defensive Identity

    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.

    21 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Indiana vs Alabama Preview: Rhett Lewis Breaks Down Bama Film, NFL Futures & Rose Bowl Matchups

    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?

    18 min
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rhett Lewis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rhett Lewis
  • Show Website
    The Big Red Carpet

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