History made. Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner — the first in Indiana football history — and Rhett Lewis takes you inside one of the most meaningful moments the program has ever experienced.

Rhett reflects on the New York City ceremony, why Mendoza’s season was defined by moments (not just numbers), and how Indiana’s rise made this win feel inevitable. He breaks down Fernando’s signature throws, revisits the defining games that sealed the Heisman, and shares behind-the-scenes insight from the celebration alongside Yogi Roth and Galen Clavio.

Plus: what comes next for Indiana as the Hoosiers turn their attention to the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff, and how Big Red Carpet will continue to cover every step of the journey.

👇 Comment below: Which Mendoza throw best defines his Heisman season?

Rhett Lewis checks in with Hoosier fans as Indiana continues its march toward the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff. Rhett previews the Heisman Trophy ceremony, explains why Fernando Mendoza’s biggest moments define this season, and outlines plans for live Substack coverage following Saturday night’s announcement.

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Rhett also addresses the toughest news of the postseason: Stephen Daley’s season-ending injury, what it means for Indiana’s defensive front, and the different schematic and personnel options available to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines heading into the playoff matchup.

Plus: Substack updates, upcoming film breakdowns, and what’s next for IU during the three-week break before kickoff in Pasadena.

Comment below: Drop a throw you want to see featured on the Mendoza highlight reel post in the comments!

The Indiana Hoosiers are Big Ten Champions — outright for the first time since 1945 — and Rhett Lewis takes you inside the sights, sounds, emotions, and strategy behind one of the greatest wins in IU football history.Rhett breaks down Indiana’s physical win over Ohio State, the toughness of Fernando Mendoza, the dominance of IU’s defense, and the brilliance of the coaching staff’s game plan. Plus: exclusive on-field reactions from Elijah Sarratt, Pat Coogan, Riley Nowakowski, Chandler Whitmer, Bryant Haines, Isaiah Jones, and Mikail Kamara.Then, Rhett looks ahead to the 2026 Rose Bowl, where No. 1 Indiana awaits the winner of Alabama vs. Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.

It’s finally here. Rhett Lewis delivers a full Big Ten Championship Game preview as No. 2 Indiana prepares to face No. 1 Ohio State in the biggest matchup of the modern era. He discusses Indiana’s All–Big Ten defensive honors, the coaching stability edge heading into Saturday, and what the film shows about Ohio State’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

Rhett also shares updates from the Big Red Carpet Substack, including Purdue offensive/defensive film studies, behind-enemy-lines breakdowns, and the full video scouting report for Ohio State.

Plus — Rhett plays a clip from his exclusive interview with former Ohio State and NFL LB Bobby Carpenter, who breaks down Matt Patricia’s defense, Brian Hartline’s future, and how OSU will try to slow Fernando Mendoza.

👇 Comment below: What’s the biggest key for Indiana to pull off the upset in Lucas Oil?

Rhett Lewis breaks down Indiana’s 56–3 demolition of Purdue, the Hoosiers’ first-ever Big Ten Championship Game berth, and what it means to cap the regular season 12–0. Rhett explains how IU dominated on the ground, overwhelmed Purdue defensively, and continued one of the most remarkable seasons in college football.

He also updates fans on the Big Red Carpet Substack, with new film breakdowns (offense + defense), behind-enemy-lines Ohio State prep, and postseason content dropping throughout December.

Then Rhett begins setting the stage for next weekend’s No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Indiana battle in Indianapolis — the biggest modern game in IU football history.

💬 Comment below: How confident are you heading into Indy?

It’s Purdue Week on The Big Red Carpet! Rhett Lewis dives deep into what the Old Oaken Bucket means to Indiana players, coaches, and fans — past and present.

He shares his own rivalry memories, looks back at legendary IU–Purdue moments, and previews this year’s matchup with a full Purdue scouting report.

Plus: Rhett gives an exclusive preview of his Substack interview with IU football alumnus Mike Katic, captain of last year’s 66–0 win over Purdue, reflecting on what it felt like to raise the Bucket in the snow.

💬 Drop your predictions below — how does Indiana finish the regular season?

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s 31-7 win over Wisconsin, as the Hoosiers move to 11-0 for the first time in school history and keep their CFP dreams alive. He breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s record-breaking performance, a dominant second-half defensive shutout, and what makes this team one of the most complete in college football.

Plus — huge news for fans: Rhett officially launches the Big Red Carpet Substack, featuring film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive interviews, including a one-on-one with Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden, who analyzes Mendoza’s Heisman campaign and NFL potential.

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💬 Subscribe and comment below: Should Mendoza be the Heisman favorite right now?

Rhett Lewis recaps Indiana’s historic first-ever win at Penn State, as the Hoosiers improve to 10-0 and keep their College Football Playoff push alive.

Rhett breaks down Omar Cooper’s unforgettable game-winning touchdown, Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-level drive, and the clutch defensive stand that set it all up.

Plus: analysis of Indiana’s offensive adjustments, Bryant Haines’ resilient defense, Curt Cignetti’s emotional postgame moment, and an early look at next week’s Senior Day showdown vs. Wisconsin.

💬 Comment below: Was Omar Cooper’s catch the best in IU football history?