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The Big Red Carpet

The Big Red Carpet

By: Rhett Lewis
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About this listen

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.Rhett Lewis Football (American)
Episodes
  • Big Red Carpet x CrimsonCast: NFL Draft Preview + Where Indiana’s Stars Could Land (Mendoza, Cooper Jr., Ponds, Sarratt & More)
    Apr 21 2026

    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.

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    36 mins
  • Pat Coogan Interview: Indiana OL Leader on National Title Run, Fernando Mendoza & NFL Draft | Big Red Carpet
    Mar 31 2026

    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.

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    23 mins
  • Omar Cooper Jr. Interview 🔥 | The Penn State Catch, 4.42 Speed & NFL Draft Rise | Big Red Carpet
    Mar 13 2026

    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.

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    21 mins
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