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Indiana vs USC preview: Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson at quarterback, plus the matchups that decide it as the Hoosiers come off the bye. Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana's Big Ten showdown with the USC Trojans in Bloomington, the first of IU's final three regular-season games. The biggest question is at quarterback: Hoover's health against what Wilson showed in the second half at Minnesota, and why Rhett trusts Curt Cignetti and his staff to make the right call either way. Rhett also covers Indiana's injury watch, including cornerback A.J. Harris, and how the Hoosiers' defensive front can pressure USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, slow tight end Mark Bowman and the Trojans' young playmakers, and stand up to a physical run game led by King Miller. On the other side, he explains why USC's defensive front, with Jahkeem Stewart in the middle, may be the toughest test yet for IU's offensive line. Plus the College Football Playoff picture with Indiana at No. 4 in the first CFP rankings, and a look around the Big Ten: undefeated UCLA vs Illinois, Northwestern at Ohio State and Washington vs Michigan State. Chapters: 00:00 Indiana vs USC off the bye week 02:38 Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson at quarterback? 05:20 Injury watch: A.J. Harris and IU's secondary 08:07 Containing USC's playmakers and Mark Bowman 09:56 Beating USC's run game in the trenches 12:04 USC's defensive front vs IU's offensive line 16:23 CFP rankings and USC's playoff stakes 19:29 Around the Big Ten: undefeated UCLA 20:26 Big Ten games to watch this week 23:19 Coming up on the Big Red Carpet Substack Future Fans helps children learn football through interactive games. Use code BIGREDCARPET for 20% off at futurefans.com. Paid Big Red Carpet subscribers receive complete offensive, defensive and special-teams film breakdowns. https://thebigredcarpet.substack.com Subscribe and follow the Back Home Network for more Indiana Hoosiers football coverage. #IUFootball #Hoosiers #IndianaFootball #BigTen #USCFootball

Indiana football survived another overtime thriller, defeating Minnesota 23–16 to improve to 8–1. Rhett Lewis breaks down Grant Wilson’s clutch relief performance, Charlie Becker’s game-winning touchdown, Paddy McAteer’s remarkable 60-yard field goal and another dominant effort from the Hoosiers’ defense. The episode also examines Josh Hoover’s injury, Indiana’s late-game clock management, the field-goal operation, the improving running game and the emergence of true freshman linebacker Jacob Savage. Plus, Tobi Osunsanmi closes another victory and Rhett offers an early look at Indiana’s showdown with USC following the bye week. Subscribe and follow the Back Home Network for more Indiana Hoosiers football coverage. Paid Big Red Carpet subscribers receive complete offensive, defensive and special-teams film breakdowns. Future Fans helps children learn football through interactive games. Use code BIGREDCARPET for 20% off. Chapters 00:31 — Indiana beats Minnesota in another overtime thriller01:40 — Game balls after the 23–16 victory04:03 — Josh Hoover’s injury and Grant Wilson’s opportunity10:53 — Examining Indiana’s late-game clock management14:38 — The 60-yard field goal and overtime winner17:46 — What went wrong with the field-goal operation27:03 — Indiana’s improving running game and offense30:05 — Jacob Savage, Tobi Osunsanmi and a dominant defense37:35 — Early look at Indiana vs. USC

Indiana earned a gritty 13–6 overtime victory at Michigan to improve to 7–1 overall and 4–1 in the Big Ten. Rhett Lewis explains how Indiana’s defense held Michigan to 224 total yards, produced four sacks and 10 tackles for loss, and repeatedly rescued an offense that struggled throughout the second half. He also examines the two decisive overtime plays: Josh Hoover’s clutch completion to Brock Schott and Hoover’s determined touchdown run. The episode also covers Indiana’s improving running game, Michigan’s heavy use of man coverage, the details still troubling the offensive line and the questions surrounding Hoover’s health entering the Minnesota game. Subscribe to the Big Red Carpet Substack for Rhett’s complete offensive and defensive film breakdowns. This episode is presented by Future Fans. Visit FutureFans.com and use code BIGREDCARPET for 20% off.

Indiana’s first loss in more than 650 days came in a compelling, closely contested matchup with Ohio State. Rhett Lewis breaks down the handful of plays that separated two elite teams—and why the result should not change the outlook for the Hoosiers. Ohio State’s heavy defensive front erased Indiana’s running game and forced Josh Hoover to capitalize on limited opportunities through the air. Some of those throws produced spectacular moments; several others were painfully close. Rhett examines those missed chances, the protection breakdown and drifting route that contributed to Indiana’s unsuccessful final play, and the turnovers and special-teams miscues that proved costly. On defense, Indiana held Ohio State to 19 points, generated pressure, forced two interceptions and kept Jeremiah Smith from taking over the game. Rhett explains Bryant Haines’ creative coverage plan, the continued emergence of Tobi Osunsanmi and Stephen Daley, and the secondary combination that appears to give Indiana its best lineup moving forward. This episode is supported by Future Fans. Visit FutureFans.com and use the code BIG RED CARPET for 20% off.

Indiana survived its toughest test of the season, rallying past Nebraska 20–17 in Lincoln to improve to 6–0 overall and 3–0 in the Big Ten. Rhett Lewis explains how the Hoosiers endured a difficult first half, adjusted to Nebraska’s perimeter attack and dominated the game’s decisive final stretch. He also examines Josh Hoover’s composure, Nick Marsh’s two game-changing touchdowns, Mike Shanahan’s brilliant fourth-down call and the defensive adjustments that allowed Indiana to close the door. Plus, what the Nebraska game revealed about Indiana’s remaining concerns—and what must improve before Ohio State arrives at Memorial Stadium.

No. 15 Indiana welcomes top-ranked and undefeated Nebraska to a sold-out Wilkinson Hall for one of the biggest matches in program history. Rhett Lewis sits down with Indiana head coach Steve Aird to discuss the remarkable growth of IU volleyball, the energy surrounding Hoosier athletics and what his team must do to challenge the deepest roster in the country. Aird also explains how Curt Cignetti’s football program has influenced his own approach, why Indiana chose Wilkinson Hall over Assembly Hall and the aggressive strategy that could give the Hoosiers a chance to pull off the upset.

Indiana football improved to 5–0 with a dominant 47–15 road victory over Rutgers. Rhett Lewis breaks down a complete performance led by Josh Hoover, Turbo Richard and overwhelming play on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Hoosiers outrushed Rutgers 329–59, generated 261 yards on 12 explosive runs and produced two 100-yard rushers alongside two 100-yard receivers. Rhett examines Indiana’s offensive-line dominance, Turbo’s 200-yard performance, the emergence of Trevor Gibbs, Hoover’s best game of the season and another disruptive showing from the defensive front. Plus, the secondary issue that still needs attention and an early look at the upcoming Nebraska matchup. Subscribe for more Indiana football analysis, reaction and film study from The Big Red Carpet.

Indiana football faced its first real test of the season and responded with a physical Big Ten victory over Northwestern. Rhett Lewis breaks down the toughness and relentless effort that moved the Hoosiers to 4–0, led by a remarkable 200-yard performance from Lee Beebe Jr. Indiana piled up 293 rushing yards, with Josh Hoover, Nick Marsh and the offensive line all contributing to a defining second-half effort. Rhett also examines Hoover’s growth, IU’s pass-protection and red-zone concerns, the defensive problems created by Aidan Chiles and the areas that must improve before the Hoosiers travel to Rutgers. Subscribe for more Indiana football analysis, film study and reaction from The Big Red Carpet.

Indiana football finished nonconference play 3–0 with a 38–0 win over Western Kentucky—and Rhett Lewis explains why the criticism of quarterback Josh Hoover is missing the larger picture. Hoover continued to operate IU’s offense efficiently, while the Hoosiers recorded their second straight shutout behind a decisive goal-line stand, 21 pressures and three fourth-down stops. Rhett also breaks down Indiana’s dominant second-half rushing attack, big performances from Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker, the upcoming Northwestern matchup and the latest results around the Big Ten. Subscribe for more Indiana football film study, analysis and reaction from The Big Red Carpet.

Indiana football overwhelmed Howard 55–0 behind an explosive passing attack, two 100-yard rushers and a suffocating defensive performance. Rhett Lewis breaks down Josh Hoover’s unusual four-touchdown, six-completion performance; Charlie Becker scoring on all three of his catches; and the continued emergence of Shazz Preston and Nick Marsh. He also examines the improved blocking that helped Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard surpass 100 rushing yards apiece. Defensively, the Hoosiers allowed only 57 total yards as Josh Burnham, Rolijah Hardy, Mario Landino, Stephen Daley and Indiana’s deep defensive front took control. Rhett closes with Big Ten observations on Oregon’s upset loss, Ohio State’s collapse against Texas and USC’s talented freshman class. Subscribe and follow Big Red Carpet for Indiana football analysis, postgame reactions and subscriber-exclusive film breakdowns throughout the season.

Indiana football opened its 2026 season with a 52–16 win over North Texas—and Josh Hoover looked ready to lead the defending national champions. Rhett Lewis breaks down Hoover’s impressive Hoosiers debut, Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker making plays downfield, Lee Beebe Jr.’s tone-setting kickoff return and the early returns from Indiana’s rebuilt defense. He also examines the offensive line, IU’s developing run game, the injuries at cornerback and the defensive depth Curt Cignetti and Bryant Haines can deploy moving forward. Subscribe and follow Big Red Carpet for Indiana football analysis, weekly reactions and subscriber-exclusive film breakdowns throughout the season.

Indiana football is finally back, and Big Red Carpet joins forces with CrimsonCast for a full preview of the Hoosiers’ 2026 opener against North Texas. Rhett Lewis leads the conversation with Galen Clavio as they break down Josh Hoover, Curt Cignetti’s year-three roster, the defensive front, the running backs, and what IU fans should watch for Saturday at Memorial Stadium. This crossover episode starts with the strange new reality of Indiana football: the Hoosiers are coming off a Big Ten championship, a national championship, and a 16-0 season — and yet the roster may still be better in several key areas. Rhett and Galen talk about how different the offseason has felt, why Cignetti seems confident heading into year three, and how Indiana’s talent baseline has changed through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting. The biggest focus is the quarterback position. Rhett previews his upcoming “Under the Hood” conversation with Cignetti and digs into why Josh Hoover is such an intriguing fit in Mike Shanahan’s offense. The discussion covers Hoover’s experience, the unfair turnover narrative from TCU, his ability to process defenses, the importance of quarterback coaching, and why the combination of Hoover, Indiana’s offensive line, and the Hoosiers’ receiver room could unlock another high-level offense. The episode also gets into the rest of the roster: a potentially terrifying defensive front with Daniel Ndukwe, Chidi Obiazor, Toby Ndukwe, Joe Yelich, Stephen Daley, and others; the chance for Bryant Haines to create even more pressure and confusion; the running back trio of Turbo Richard, Khobie Martin, and Lee Beebe Jr.; the offensive line transition with Bray Lynch at center; and the tight end battle involving Andrew Barker, Brock Schott, and Parker Elmore. The final segment turns to North Texas, former IU quarterback Tayven Jackson, and how strange it will be to see him return to Memorial Stadium in a Mean Green uniform. Rhett and Galen explain why this is a difficult opener for Jackson and a rebuilt North Texas roster, why Indiana may still keep things fairly vanilla, and why special teams — including Tyler Morris stepping in at punt returner — remains one of the most important parts of IU’s championship formula. Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more Big Red Carpet, CrimsonCast, Indiana football, Curt Cignetti, IU athletics, Big Ten football, and 2026 Hoosiers coverage all season long.

Another court ruling has thrown the college football eligibility landscape—and Indiana’s defensive plans—back into uncertainty. Rhett Lewis explains why the U.S. Court of Appeals’ latest action in Wisne v. NCAA has left Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt temporarily ineligible, what legal options could come next and how Curt Cignetti might manage the continued uncertainty. Even without Daley and Wyatt, Indiana still possesses one of college football’s deepest defensive fronts. But after injuries ended both players’ 2025 seasons prematurely, Rhett hopes they receive a genuine opportunity to finish what they started. This episode is brought to you by Big Sandy Superstore. Make an eligible purchase by Labor Day weekend, and it could be free if Indiana goes undefeated and wins the national championship! Join the Big Red Carpet Substack for exclusive IU football analysis, transfer-portal film sessions and additional coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Fall camp is here, and Rhett Lewis is back on The Big Red Carpet to preview the biggest questions facing Indiana football as the Hoosiers begin their title defense. Rhett opens with the huge news that Stephen Daley is back, adding even more depth and star power to what may already be one of the best defensive fronts in college football. From there, he breaks down the five biggest questions for IU heading into camp: whether Josh Hoover can leave his turnover issues behind, how Bryant Haines’ defense adjusts without D’Angelo Ponds, how the program carries forward its championship culture without the original James Madison core, which players could become breakout stars in 2026, and whether Indiana may actually be better in key areas than last year’s national championship team. It’s a full Big Red Carpet camp preview as the countdown to North Texas — and another massive Indiana football season — officially begins.

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.