CrimsonCast

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IU Football Sellout, Memorial Stadium Upgrades & New Gameday Expectations Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football is entering a completely new reality: every home game at Memorial Stadium is sold out, ticket prices are up, expectations are rising, and the Hoosiers’ fan experience has to evolve with the program.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield open CrimsonCast’s 18th season of IU football coverage by looking back at how long the show has been covering the Hoosiers — from the Bill Lynch, Kevin Wilson, and Tom Allen eras to the national championship standard now set under Curt Cignetti. The conversation turns quickly to what a sold-out Memorial Stadium means for fans, especially with a full September home slate, a massive Ohio State game, and major demand for matchups like USC, Northwestern, and the Old Oaken Bucket.

The main discussion focuses on the new Indiana football gameday: getting into the stadium earlier, changing tailgate routines, making concessions and bathrooms work with larger crowds, building traditions like Hoosier the Bison, towels, “Hurts So Good,” and Hoosiers in the NFL segments, and figuring out how Memorial Stadium can become a real home-field advantage. Galen and Scott also debate stadium renovation priorities, including the press box, premium seating, field suites, concourses, bathrooms, sound, lights, and whether a Lambeau-style suite model could make sense in Bloomington.

The episode closes with a broader look at why football success matters to Indiana University beyond wins and losses — as branding, marketing, admissions energy, alumni connection, and long-term institutional strategy. The message: IU football is not just having a moment. The whole university now has to decide how seriously it wants to build around it.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

IU Eligibility Update: Stephen Daley, Kellen Wyatt, Sam Alexis, the NCAA’s Latest Court Win, and Memorial Stadium Selling Out Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football’s eligibility picture shifted again after the Tenth Circuit stayed the Wisne v. NCAA injunction, and CrimsonCast LIVE breaks down what it means for Stephen Daley, Kellen Wyatt, Sam Alexis, Avery Tatum, and the broader Class of 2022 eligibility fight.

Galen Clavio explains why Daley and Wyatt are currently allowed to practice but not play, why Sam Alexis remains in a different legal category through a Tennessee state-court case, and why the NCAA’s handling of the “five-for-five” eligibility rule has created so much confusion for athletes, schools, and fans. The episode also looks at possible next steps, including whether Daley and Wyatt could pursue separate legal action and how quickly anything would need to happen before the season.

The second half turns to the changing economics of college sports, NIL and revenue-share roster building, the need for eventual collective bargaining, and a major milestone for Indiana football: Memorial Stadium selling out for the full season. Galen reflects on how far IU football attendance has come, which games could be hardest to get into, and why the home-field atmosphere may matter more than ever for Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers.

Subscribe to CrimsonCast for coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

IU Football Offensive Line Preview: Carter Smith, Joe Brunner, Bob Bostad, Depth Questions, and Josh Hoover’s Protection Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football’s offensive line has gone from a long-running concern to one of the biggest strengths of Curt Cignetti’s program — and it may be the foundation of another championship-level Hoosiers offense in 2026.

Galen Clavio continues the CrimsonCast positional preview series with a full breakdown of Indiana’s offensive line, led by Carter Smith, Drew Evans, Bray Lynch, Adedamola Ajani, and transfer addition Joe Brunner. The episode looks at why Bob Bostad’s group has become so important to IU’s offensive identity, how the line helps the Hoosiers stay ahead of schedule, and why both run blocking and pass protection will shape how quickly Josh Hoover settles into the offense.

The second half digs into career snaps, positional versatility, depth concerns, Pro Football Focus grades, pressure numbers, penalties, pass-blocking efficiency, and the challenge of replacing key contributors like Pat Coogan and Kahlil Benson. The takeaway: Indiana has the experience, talent, and coaching to make the offensive line a major 2026 advantage — but depth and health will matter if the Hoosiers are going to make another long postseason run.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

IU Men's Soccer 2026 Preview with Todd Yeagley Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Indiana men’s soccer opens a new season at Bill Armstrong Stadium, and Todd Yeagley joins CrimsonCast to preview the Hoosiers, their loaded transfer class, and a massive opener against Notre Dame.

Galen Clavio talks with Yeagley about the energy around soccer after the World Cup in the United States, how American soccer culture has changed since 1994, and why that momentum can help college soccer as IU begins its season. From there, they revisit last year’s frustrating NCAA Tournament exit, where Indiana played well but paid for defensive mistakes and a few soft goals at the wrong time.

The main preview focuses on roster construction in the modern college soccer era, including how the transfer portal has changed the way Indiana builds a team. Yeagley breaks down returning players, new portal additions, the attack, the goalkeeper competition, freshman contributors, and why this year’s group may be more balanced after losing key midfield pieces. The episode closes with a look at the Notre Dame opener, why the series feels like a true season kickoff, and why students and IU fans should pack Armstrong Stadium.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana men’s soccer, IU athletics, Todd Yeagley, the Hoosiers, and the 2026 college soccer season.

IU Football WR & TE Preview: Nick Marsh, Charlie Becker & Tight End Questions Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

CrimsonCast / BHN continues its 2026 positional preview series with a deep dive into the Hoosiers’ wide receivers and tight ends — two groups that will help determine how quickly Josh Hoover settles into Curt Cignetti and Mike Shanahan’s offense.

Galen Clavio breaks down what Indiana lost from last year’s passing game, including Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., E.J. Williams, and Riley Nowakowski, then looks at how the 2026 group could be rebuilt around Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh, Shazz Preston, and Tyler Morris. The episode focuses heavily on efficiency, alignment, drop rate, average depth of target, slot usage, contested catches, and why Indiana’s passing game works best when the run game keeps the offense ahead of schedule.

The second half shifts to tight end, where Indiana has a fascinating but unproven room featuring Blake Thiry, Andrew Barker, Brock Schott, Trevor Gibbs, PJ MacFarlane, and others. Galen discusses who might replace Nowakowski’s do-everything role, who could emerge as a blocker, who may be the best receiving option, and why the first month of the season will reveal how much trust the staff has in this group.

Check out our IU running back room preview podcast here.

Check out our preview of the quarterbacks (well, really just Josh Hoover) here.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

IU Football Memorial Stadium Questions, Carter Smith NIL & Dusty May Comments Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football is getting closer, Memorial Stadium questions are getting louder, and CrimsonCast LIVE breaks down what realistic upgrades could look like for IU’s gameday future.

Galen Clavio goes live to discuss the latest from IU football fall camp, the Big Ten Network visit to Bloomington, and a new local NIL deal pairing Carter Smith with Janko’s Little Zagreb. Then the show turns to the big listener question: what should Indiana actually do with Memorial Stadium? Galen walks through why a brand-new stadium is unlikely, what renovation options make more sense, and how costs for premium seating, press box upgrades, concourses, bathrooms, lighting, sound, video boards, and Wi-Fi can quickly turn a stadium project into a massive capital campaign.

The episode closes with reaction to Dusty May’s comments about leaving college basketball for the Dallas Mavericks, what those comments say about the transfer portal and NIL era, and why coaches may increasingly rethink life in college sports. Plus: a quick check-in on Fernando Mendoza after a promising night with the Raiders.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

RSVP for the Posh Hotel show on Tuesday!

Check out the 2026 Homefield Game Day Collection

CrimsonCASH - Big Ten Win Total Bets (Part 1): Including Purdue’s Brutal Outlook Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

College football is almost back, and so is CrimsonCASH! 🏈💰

Scott and James kick off their 2026 Big Ten betting preview by breaking down the first half of the conference’s win totals, identifying their favorite values, and debating which teams are overrated, underrated, and worth betting before the season begins.

From Ohio State and Oregon to USC, Washington, Wisconsin—and one very strong opinion on Purdue—there are plenty of futures worth discussing before kickoff.

🏈 Big Ten win total predictions (Part 1)
💰 Our favorite preseason futures bets
🚂 Why Purdue’s win total might be the best under on the board
🌹 Ohio State vs. Oregon debate
✈️ USC, Washington, UCLA and the travel factor
🎯 College Football Playoff futures
🤔 Is Texas overrated?
☘️ Will Notre Dame actually miss the CFP?
🏆 Early Heisman betting value
👀 Preview of Part 2 featuring Indiana and the rest of the Big Ten

Do you agree with our best bets? Which Big Ten win total are you playing before the season starts? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss Part 2 and our weekly CrimsonCASH betting shows throughout football season.

Presented by Homefield Apparel and the Back Home Network.

00:00 Intro & Football Season Returns
00:41 CrimsonCASH is Back for 2026
02:52 Big Ten Win Totals Preview Begins
05:31 Ohio State Win Total
08:42 Oregon Win Total
10:23 Penn State Win Total
12:27 Purdue Win Total (Favorite Bet)
14:54 Rutgers Win Total
16:02 UCLA Win Total
17:44 USC Win Total
19:22 Washington Win Total
21:33 Wisconsin Win Total
24:17 Biggest Futures Bets
25:00 Texas to Make the CFP?
26:06 Notre Dame Playoff Debate
32:00 Heisman Value Picks
34:37 Looking Ahead to Part 2

Note: Timestamps may not appear as clickable links for every listener depending on platform/app.

In this episode:TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS

IU Football History Part 1: The Origins of Indiana Football from 1884-1968 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football didn’t appear out of nowhere. CrimsonCast goes deep into the long, strange, fascinating history of IU football, from its 1880s origins to the Old Oaken Bucket, the 1945 Big Ten champions, the Phil Dickens sanctions, and the 1967 Rose Bowl team.

Galen Clavio is joined by Chris Williams of IU Artifacts for a historical dive into how Indiana football developed, why the program spent decades fighting structural disadvantages, and why today’s Hoosier fan base has deeper roots than outsiders realize. They trace the early campus fields, the move to Jordan Field and Memorial Stadium, Indiana’s place in the early Big Ten hierarchy, the creation of the Old Oaken Bucket, and the importance of figures like Zora Clevenger, Bo McMillin, George Taliaferro, and John Pont.

The second half looks at the rise and collapse after the 1945 season, the difficult postwar years, the controversy around Phil Dickens, the impact of NCAA and Big Ten sanctions across IU athletics, and how the 1967 Hoosiers became Indiana’s first Rose Bowl team. It’s a reminder that Indiana football history is far richer, weirder, and more important than the national narrative usually allows.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

IU Football Fan Experience Mailbag: Ohio State Rivalry Names, Hoosiers in the NFL, Tailgates, Traditions, and Stadium Culture Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football is entering a new era, and CrimsonCast digs into what that means for IU football fans, Memorial Stadium traditions, the Ohio State matchup, and the growing number of Hoosiers in the NFL.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio open with Indiana weather, fall camp energy, Homefield drops, and a few concert detours before returning to listener questions from the CrimsonCast community. They revisit potential names for the emerging Indiana-Ohio State football series, including the 36-Star Showdown, Harrison-Grant ideas, Old Guard vs. New Blood, and other rivalry-branding possibilities.

From there, the show moves into the evolving Indiana football gameday experience: tailgate timing, getting fans into Memorial Stadium earlier, whether air horns or alerts could help, why “Hurts So Good” works, how IU can better celebrate Hoosiers in the NFL, and what traditions could make Indiana’s home-field atmosphere more distinctive. The episode also covers which former IU players to track on Sundays, how fans should think about drafting Hoosiers in fantasy football, and why the fan experience has to improve through both athletic department investment and fan buy-in.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

CrimsonCast After Dark: IU Football Gameday Changes, Stadium Upgrades & Michigan or Washington as the ultimate Road Test Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Indiana football is suddenly a premium gameday product, and CrimsonCast After Dark looks at what that means for IU football fans, Memorial Stadium, tailgating, parking, road trips, and the Hoosiers’ biggest 2026 challenges.

Galen Clavio answers listener questions on how the gameday experience may change now that Curt Cignetti’s program is coming off a national championship, why fans should expect more traffic, more demand, higher prices, and a more all-day football atmosphere in Bloomington. He also discusses possible Memorial Stadium renovations, including why a new stadium is unlikely but press box and premium-seat upgrades may be on the table.

The show also covers Big Ten fall camp roster uncertainty, Indiana’s road-trip slate, bathroom logistics at Memorial Stadium, tailgate plans, getting into the stadium earlier, and whether Michigan or Washington is the tougher road game. Plus: a quick riff on Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh, Josh Hoover’s receiver options, and elite food-and-football combinations.

Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU athletics, Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, and the 2026 college football season.

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