Podcast – CrimsonCast

Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal joins Galen Clavio for a wide-ranging CrimsonCast conversation about the unstable future of college sports.They break down the latest fights over NIL, athlete compensation, federal legislation, the College Sports Commission, SEC and Big Ten power plays, possible conference self-governance, and why the College Football Playoff expansion debate is as much about media money as it is about access. They also get into how the transfer portal has changed roster building, why Big Ten programs have found different paths to national success, and what college football might learn from pro sports models like the NFL, MLB, and even open-wheel racing.

What if Indiana had finished the job in 1992?On this episode of The Crimson Era, Coach Tonsoni and Scott go back to one of the most painful “what ifs” in IU basketball history — Indiana's legendary 1992 Final Four battle with Duke. From the controversial foul trouble to Todd Leary catching absolute fire late, the guys break down the game that still has Hoosier fans talking more than 30 years later.Could this have been Bob Knight's last great championship team? Did the officiating change the game? And would Indiana have beaten Michigan for the national title?This one is a full-on trip through classic IU basketball history.

Galen Clavio and Grace Ybarra are back with a packed CrimsonCast episode covering Hoosier the Bison, the reveal of Abbey Armstrong, and why Indiana's mascot moment has landed so well with IU fans.They also talk through the latest debate over College Football Playoff expansion, the move toward a larger NCAA Tournament, and a great week for IU men's soccer after Sam Sarver turned a late FC Dallas goal into one of the most viral MLS celebrations of the year.Then it's full Indy 500 mode: qualifying, weather worries, race-day traditions, Grace's memories from the track, and winner picks for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Galen Clavio welcomes Colin McMahon of The Hoosier/On3 to talk through the new reality of Indiana football after a national championship season. They discuss how quickly the program's culture has changed, what it was like to cover the title run as both a student and reporter, and why the Hoosiers remain a serious national contender heading into 2026.The conversation also covers spring football takeaways, Josh Hoover, Tyler Morris, Indiana's running back room, defensive reload, and the recruiting momentum building around Curt Cignetti's program after another big weekend in Bloomington.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield shift gears for one of the best weeks on the Indiana sports calendar: Indy 500 week. They break down the 2026 Indianapolis 500 starting grid, Alex Palou's pole run, David Malukas and Alexander Rossi on the front row, and why this year's field feels unusually balanced.The conversation covers Penske, Ganassi, Andretti, Pato O'Ward, Santino Ferrucci, Josef Newgarden starting deeper in the field, possible race-day surprises, and the storylines that would make for the biggest wins locally, nationally, and internationally. They also react to FOX's qualifying broadcast and the quirks of watching the 500 as longtime Indiana sports fans.NOTE: We recorded this on Monday, before the Rossi / O'Ward / Grosjean accident happened. We hope everyone is okay!

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield are back on CrimsonCast with a wide-ranging mid-May episode. They open with Indy 500 season, IMS nostalgia, Homefield gear, and a very important Purdue Chipotle achievement before turning to Indiana basketball's latest roster additions.The guys discuss Justin Munden, Clemens Sokolov, how Darren DeVries' roster is coming together, why continuity matters after last year's reset, and what IU's Big Ten schedule looks like on paper. They also talk about the importance of reconnecting Indiana basketball with fans around the state, Curt Cignetti's White House visit with IU football, Scott's new Crimson Era history series, and the pros and cons of expanding the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio are back on CrimsonCast for a wide-ranging offseason IU football conversation. They start with travel stories, mascots, and the long-awaited Homefield Rose Bowl jacket before getting into Indiana's spring game, Josh Hoover, Carter Smith, the wide receiver room, and the overall vibe around a program trying to defend its spot at the top.They also talk about the Northwestern game moving to Friday night, IU's White House visit, Charlie Becker's growing fan-favorite status, and the debate over a possible 24-team College Football Playoff. Naturally, it all ends with a serious discussion of Pop-Tart Bowl flavor possibilities.

What if Indiana finished the job in Columbus?

Galen Clavio reacts to Stewart Mandel's profile of Curt Cignetti and uses it as a jumping-off point for a bigger conversation about Indiana football's stunning rise, the confidence driving the program, and the challenge of sustaining success after a national championship season.This episode looks at Cignetti's process, the idea of “controlled arrogance,” the parallels to Bob Knight-era Indiana basketball, and why IU's next challenge may be even harder than the climb itself. Galen also reflects on how far CrimsonCast — and Indiana football fans — have come from the low point of 2023 to the top of the sport.

The Crimson Era is officially underway—and we're starting with the stories that define IU.Coach Brian Tonsoni and Scott Caulfield kick off a new show dedicated to Indiana athletics history—diving into the moments, teams, and eras that shaped IU basketball and football. This is about legacy, perspective, and the conversations Hoosier fans love to have.If you've ever debated the greatest IU teams, relived iconic moments, or wondered “what if?”—this show is for you.In this episode, we cover:The vision behind The Crimson EraWhy IU basketball and football history deserve a deeper lookMemorable teams, turning points, and defining erasHow the past connects to where IU stands todayThe kinds of debates and stories we'll tackle moving forwardAnd we're making this interactive

Coming to you from Hawaii, Galen Clavio puts a bow on a wild April in IU sports and answers two big listener questions—one about college football, one about Indiana basketball. First, Galen reacts to the semi-viral Kirby Smart comments about why the Big Ten has won three straight national titles, and explains why “blue chip ratio” arguments don't tell the whole story anymore in the NIL/portal era. He breaks down why evaluation, development, and coaching innovation matter more than ever—and why Indiana's championship season is the ultimate counterexample to old assumptions. Then he shifts to basketball and the news that student seating at Assembly Hall is changing, with students moving into both end zones. Galen explains why that's a smart atmosphere play, how it can help IU re-create real home-court advantage, and why making Assembly Hall feel electric again will take both roster improvement and structural changes.

It's Derby week—and we're diving into one of the most fun (and chaotic) betting events of the year

Galen Clavio is joined by Sydney Parrish for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Sydney's growing broadcasting career — what she's learned on camera, what surprised her about the work, and how her playing background shapes the way she sees the game.Then the focus turns to Indiana women's basketball and the offseason reset: what Teri Moren's program is building with a strong incoming freshman class, how the portal additions fit, and why next season's roster looks like a better blend of talent, shooting, and versatility after a “growing pains” year. They also discuss the unique challenges of the modern women's game — travel, physicality, height matchups across conferences — and what Indiana needs to do to climb back into the Big Ten's top tier.

Live from the Memorial Stadium parking lot right after Indiana's spring game, Galen Clavio is joined by CFB with Sam to break down what they saw, what matters, and what to take with the necessary spring-game caveats (especially with much of the offensive line out). They discuss the biggest standouts — including Turbo Richard's burst in the run game, Tyler Morris' highlight touchdown catch, early impressions of Josh Hoover, and how deep the receiver room looks with Nick Marsh, Shazz Preston, and more. On defense, they highlight the front's penetration, the depth/versatility up front, and why this unit again looks like it can be a weekly problem for opposing coordinators. They also hit special teams (two huge-leg kickers!), the recruiting weekend atmosphere, and what this event says about Indiana's momentum after the national title.

Galen Clavio previews the Little 500 races from Bill Armstrong Stadium as Bloomington gears up for the biggest weekend of the year — including the 75th running of the men's race. Galen is joined by two senior IU student broadcasters who will be on the call this weekend: Zach Browning (women's race play-by-play) and Nick Rodecap (men's race play-by-play). Zach breaks down the women's field, starting with Theta on the pole and the chase group behind them (including Teter, Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Melanzana, CSF, and more), plus how weather could affect race-day strategy. Then Nick previews a loaded men's race, headlined by Cutters' dominant spring series and Black Key Bulls' quest for a three-peat — with SAE, Fiji, Sig Ep, and a deep group of contenders ready to make it a chess match over 200 laps.

The NFL Draft is here — and for once, IU fans actually have real skin in the game.James & Scott break down the biggest draft betting angles, where Indiana players could land, and how to approach one of the weirdest (and most unpredictable) betting markets out there. Then we shift to NBA futures and playoff value plays — including why we're fading the obvious favorites and where the real money might be hiding.If you like smart betting talk with a little chaos mixed in… this one's for you.In this episode:IU players to watch in the NFL Draft (and how high they could go)Omar Cooper Jr. draft position + first-round expectationsFernando Mendoza odds, wild futures, and longshot dartsDraft betting strategy: how to actually find value (not just guess picks)Colts draft tendencies (and why they might do the same thing again…)Over/under on IU players drafted

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.

Galen Clavio is joined by pop culture writer and editor Abby Gardner (We Have Notes) for a completely different kind of CrimsonCast: a deep dive into Fernando Mendoza as a pop culture phenomenon.They break down how Mendoza went from “cool Cal postgame clip” to Heisman winner + national champion + presumed No. 1 pick, and why his vibe is so distinctive in 2026 sports culture: the earnestness, the “try-hard in the best way,” the nerd confidence, and the way his persona feels authentic across every platform. They also discuss the Esquire feature (including the fashion/styling choices), why Gen Z responds to “different kinds of masculinity” in sports, and how Mendoza's next stage with the Las Vegas Raiders could reshape both his image and the franchise's identity.

Galen Clavio is joined by Emma Watson and Ben Portnoy (Sports Business Journal) to break down what it's really like to attend The Masters at Augusta National—from the moment you park for free and walk through the gates, to the “choose-your-own-adventure” way you experience the course, to the small details that make Augusta feel like a different universe.They talk about why the event actually lives up to the hype, how the no-phone policy changes the vibe, the underrated best viewing spots (including a legendary setup on the 6th fairway), what it's like hearing caddie/golfer strategy up close, and why Augusta's broadcast and writing “mystique” is rooted in real visual storytelling.And yes… they also get into the gnome madness and the pro shop merch experience (including the moment Emma got separated from Galen and had to ask a security guard for help).

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield kick off a packed April episode with Little 500 week, IU football spring game week, and the NFL Draft featuring a bevy of Hoosiers. Then it's the big story on the hardwood: Indiana men's basketball has assembled one of the top transfer portal classes in the country, giving Darian DeVries a real foundation to build on. Galen and Scott talk roster construction, why this portal haul feels different from prior years, and what still needs to be added (especially depth in the frontcourt) as the market continues to settle. After the break, the focus shifts to football: what to expect from Thursday night's spring game (including your first real look at newcomers like Nick Marsh and Josh Hoover) and why this is becoming a major cultural event now that season tickets are sold out. Then they close with the NFL Draft—why Fernando Mendoza is tracking toward becoming IU's highest-drafted player ever, and how many other Hoosiers could hear their names called, including Omar Cooper Jr. and D'Angelo Ponds.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio react to Indiana men's basketball's suddenly nation-leading transfer portal class — and then the episode gets an in-show plot twist when Villanova guard Bryce Lindsey commits to the Hoosiers while they're recording. They break down how Indiana got here (minutes + money + vision), what Darian DeVries and the staff are building with Markus Burton, Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, Samet Yigitoglu, and Aiden Sherrill, and why this class looks fundamentally different—more size, more athleticism, more high-major experience, and more multi-year continuity. Then the show pivots to IU culture: Little 500 history and traditions, why the week is one of the best recruiting weekends in college football, and the behind-the-scenes quirks that make Little 5 such a uniquely Bloomington event.

Indiana's portal run keeps adding the pieces it had to add — size, physicality, rebounding, and rim protection. Galen Clavio is joined by Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth from X's and Joe's for another emergency crossover to break down Samet Yigitoglu's commitment from SMU and the rapidly building momentum around Aiden Sherrill (Alabama) who committed shortly after the podcast aired.They explain why Yigitoglu is a major need-fill: a true 7-foot-plus center who rebounds on both ends, creates extra possessions with offensive boards, and gives Indiana a real interior presence it didn't have last season. Then they pivot to the Sherrill discussion—why he profiles as a modern stretch-capable big who blocks shots, rebounds, and fits perfectly in Darian DeVries' spacing and two-man-game world. The episode also zooms out to roster-building: why Indiana's portal strategy looks far more “big-boy” this cycle, what adding multi-year pieces does for continuity, and what kinds of complementary players IU still needs to complete a functional 8–9 man rotation.

Indiana men's basketball's portal surge continues — and this one is a program-shifting add. Galen Clavio is joined by Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth from X's and Joe's for an emergency crossover breaking down Markus Burton's commitment to IU. The trio dives into Burton's profile as a high-gravity scoring point guard, why he's a completely different type of creator than Indiana had last season, and how his ability to draw fouls, finish, and hit shots changes the geometry of the floor for Jaeden Mustaf and Darren Harris. They also discuss Burton's defensive value (especially his knack for getting opposing point guards into foul trouble), the injury context and eligibility outlook, and what this commitment signals about Darian DeVries and Kenny Johnson operating with a clear, targeted plan in the portal. Finally, they zoom out to roster construction: why adding multi-year “bridge” pieces matters, what types of bigs Indiana still needs to complete the build, and why this kind of recruiting win is exactly how a program raises its ceiling in the modern era.

Indiana men's basketball finally has portal momentum — and it comes in a hurry. Galen Clavio is joined by Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth from X's and Joe's for an emergency crossover episode breaking down Indiana's first portal commitments: Jaeden Mustaf (Georgia Tech) and Darren Harris (Duke). They discuss Mustaf's profile as a physical downhill guard/wing, why his ability to get into the lane matters in the Big Ten, and what his production looked like in a tough Georgia Tech context. Then, mid-show, the second bomb drops: Harris commits — and the guys unpack what IU is getting in a former top-50 recruit with shooting gravity, defensive competitiveness, and clear schematic fit with Darian DeVries and Kenny Johnson building the roster. They also talk lineup construction, the rumored next domino (Markus Burton) and how these pieces would change the speed and creation ability of IU's offense, plus what this says about the staff's Year 2 plan: raising the floor in athleticism/physicality first, then filling in the frontcourt to complete the build.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio are back with a wide-ranging spring episode that starts with travel talk and Final Four week in Indianapolis — then shifts into the real headline: the college basketball transfer portal is open, and Indiana is staring at a roster rebuild in the NIL era. They discuss what Indiana knows right now (including Trent Sisley returning and the current roster math), what's still uncertain, and why the portal market has become so difficult to “price.” The conversation turns into a deep dive on how coaches evaluate players across leagues and levels (including the growing wave of international pros entering college basketball), why fit matters as much as stats, and the uncomfortable truth: for a 20-year-old in 2026, the Indiana basketball brand doesn't automatically close deals. Grace and Galen then shift to Indiana Football, and talk about the news that Fernando Mendoza is going to eschew attending the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh in favor of watching it from home. They close with a big-picture college sports discussion on SEC messaging — including the sudden push to eliminate the SEC Championship Game and what that says about playoff politics in the super-conference era.

Galen took to the YouTube Live on Wednesday at about noon to talk about the opening of the transfer portal and some early questions surrounding how Indiana will go shopping for players, how the matchmaking happens, and why it may be important for the Hoosiers to land a star early. He also talks about the timing of portal signings and why it's important for IU fans to not panic if nothing happens immediately.

Galen Clavio went live to talk about the college basketball world. We recap the Final Four games, talk about the UNC job search, look ahead to the transfer portal opening, and discuss the different budgets and approaches that teams will be taking over the next few weeks.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield recap an unbelievable moment for Indiana football: IU's Pro Day airing live on NFL Network, with Fernando Mendoza slinging it, and a roster full of legitimate NFL prospects getting the kind of spotlight the program rarely — if ever — enjoyed before the title run. They discuss what it means for recruiting, why this roster's depth of pro talent is a sea change for Indiana, and how Mendoza's one-year impact on the university is almost impossible to overstate. Then the conversation shifts to early spring-ball vibes, including the viral Nick Marsh gold cleats story and what it says about Curt Cignetti's standards — plus Cignetti's perfectly timed response to a TCU coach's “turnovers” jab about Josh Hoover. Finally, they close with a quick Final Four in Indianapolis preview and thoughts on the matchups (Illinois/UConn and Michigan/Arizona) heading into the weekend.

Galen Clavio breaks down what fans need to know as the men's college basketball transfer portal officially opens on April 7—and why it already feels like players are “in the portal” before the window even opens.He explains how portal announcements actually happen (agents, reporters, and early relationship networks), why early “schools linked to a player” lists are often incomplete, and how roster building has become a fast-moving market where the top budget slots get filled quickly. Galen also walks through why stats can mislead when players jump levels, why fit matters as much as production, and why not every outgoing transfer is a bad sign—many are simply market tests or better-fit searches in a world of mostly one-year deals.

We recap the two Elite 8 games from last night, look ahead to the games today, discuss more in coaching search land for college basketball, and talk about early impressions from Indiana football spring practice.

On this episode, Galen Clavio recaps the Sweet 16 games and preview what's coming up in the Elite 8. Plus we discuss North Carolina's job opening, the transfer portal, the attractiveness of certain jobs, and the way that program-building at the college level is changing now that GMs and player personnel directors are essential figures instead of luxury hires.

Galen Clavio breaks down the Sweet 16 field through an analytics lens—using Bart Torvik's T-Rank to explain what the remaining teams do best, which statistical profiles tend to win in March, and where the most important “Four Factors” edges show up (shooting, turnovers, rebounding, and free throws). He also highlights how the contenders differ stylistically (elite balance vs. offense-first vs. defense-first), why certain matchups may come down to variance (especially three-point volume), and finishes by comparing those Sweet 16 trends to Indiana's statistical profile this season—what IU did well, and what ultimately held them back.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio recap the strange lull after the first weekend of March Madness (and the real “basketball saturation → emptiness” hangover), then dive into Grace's on-site coverage from St. Louis for the NCAA Tournament's first and second rounds. They break down the wild Kentucky–Santa Clara finish (and the officiating/clock controversy), share behind-the-scenes locker room stories from Purdue, and react to the now-iconic moment of former IU big man Malik Reneau grabbing concession food in full uniform after Purdue's win.From there, the conversation pivots back to Indiana: what it feels like for IU fans to watch the tournament from the outside again, why the portal timing creates a dead zone for non-tournament teams, and why comparisons to other first-year coaching successes are tough—but inevitable.

Galen Clavio recaps a fascinating Sunday in the NCAA Tournament — a day that pushed back on the early top seed dominance and offered some encouraging signs for the Big Ten. He runs through the biggest results (including Alabama's blowout, Arizona surviving, Iowa State's statement, UConn's best version showing up, Purdue advancing, Tennessee's win, Saint John's rock fight, and Iowa's stunner), then zooms out to the bigger question Indiana fans can't avoid: why does IU keep watching other programs level up while Indiana sits at home? Galen discusses the new NIL/portal reality — how it's more “democratic” than people admit, how money still matters but smart spending matters more, and why the Iowa Sweet 16 run under first-year coach Ben McCollum stings in Bloomington. The conclusion is clear: the next few weeks are pivotal for Darian DeVries and Indiana basketball, because the program needs a roster with real identity, energy, and cohesion — not just hope.

Galen and Scott do a special live CrimsonCast, talking about the lack of upsets in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the most intriguing games of the second round, the UNC job potentially coming open, and a bunch of other college basketball topics.

It's bracket time.In this episode of CrimsonCast, Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio preview the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, going region by region through the bracket, breaking down upset picks, best bets, dangerous mid-majors, and which teams they trust most to make a deep March run. They also debate how much “vibes” should matter versus predictive metrics, identify underseeded and overseeded teams, and make their Elite Eight, Final Four, and national title picks. The conversation includes picks on teams like Duke, Houston, Arizona, Michigan State, Gonzaga, VCU, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa, Vanderbilt, and more — plus some strong takes on which popular upset picks are worth fading. By the end, both hosts land on Arizona as national champion, with a full bracket path laid out along the way. If you're filling out your bracket, looking for upset logic, or just want a smart and entertaining March Madness preview, this one has you covered.

It's tournament time, and Crimson Cash is diving headfirst into the chaos. Scott and James break down NCAA Tournament betting strategy, talk through upset trends, build a bracket live on the show, and mix in the usual combination of sharp betting angles, Big Ten bias, and unhinged March energy.In this episode, the guys dig into how often double-digit seeds really hit, whether blindly betting every underdog is genius or insanity, and which teams they actually trust when the bracket tightens up. They also build out a full bracket live, talk survivor-pool strategy, throw out a few tournament bets they like, and close with an early look at Big Ten college football win totals, including Indiana's eye-popping number.Topics in this episode:NCAA Tournament betting strategy and historical seed upset trendsWhy 12-over-5 gets the headlines, but 11-over-6 matters tooScott's all-underdog betting system and whether it actually worksDraftKings-style bets on tournament upset outcomesOhio State and Wisconsin as early teams James likesA full live bracket build with Final Four and title picksSurvivor-pool thoughts and Sweet 16 futures anglesLive-betting advice for March MadnessEarly Big Ten football win totals, including Indiana at 10.5Join the conversation with your bracket picks, biggest upset calls, and favorite tournament bets in the comments. And if you're riding with Crimson Cash all tournament long, subscribe and follow along for more picks, reactions, and betting talk.Crimson Cash is a proud part of the Back Home Network.TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS00:00:44 NCAA Tournament time begins00:03:28 Tournament betting strategy and seed upset history00:05:03 Scott's all-underdog betting system00:10:47 Betting the 12-over-5 and other upset markets00:11:27 Ohio State, Wisconsin, and early parlay/survivor thoughts00:13:00 Live bracket build begins00:30:37 Big Ten football win totals, including Indiana at 10.500:33:34 Sweet 16 futures, live betting, and final betting adviceNote: timestamps may not appear as clickable links for every listener depending on platform/app.

Indiana men's basketball is officially done for the season — and now the real questions begin.In this episode of CrimsonCast, Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield react to Indiana narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament, examine the decision to turn down The Crown, and break down what it says about the current state of the program. They also dive deep into the realities of roster building in the portal era, comparing Indiana's approach to other programs and asking what has to change for the Hoosiers to finally build a tournament team. This episode covers IU's weak bubble case, the frustration of coming up just short, the marketing and fan-engagement problems around ending the season quietly, the financial conversation surrounding Indiana basketball, and a detailed look at how first-year coaches across college basketball built NCAA Tournament teams through the transfer portal. If you're trying to understand where Indiana basketball goes from here — and why this offseason feels so important — this episode lays it all out.

What do FanDuel's newly released over-under totals say about the Indiana Hoosiers in 2026?In this episode of CrimsonCast, Galen Clavio breaks down Indiana football's projected win total, how it compares to the rest of the Big Ten, and what the national title odds suggest about the Hoosiers' place in the college football landscape. From Indiana's favorable schedule to the respect Curt Cignetti's program is getting from oddsmakers, this is an early look at how Vegas views IU heading into the new season. Galen also examines where teams like Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Miami, Texas, and others stack up in the betting market — and what those numbers reveal about conference strength, public perception, and playoff expectations.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield react to Indiana men's basketball's Big Ten Tournament loss to Northwestern and the frustrating reality that the season is effectively over — despite a late-February moment when IU still looked like a solid NCAA Tournament team. They break down how the Hoosiers struggled in the games that mattered most, why the roster construction left almost no margin for error, and how the end-of-season slide creates an offseason problem: there's little continuity to carry forward, which makes it harder for fans to stay emotionally invested in “portal season” hype.The episode also zooms out to the big picture: how Indiana has quietly performed like a lower-tier Big Ten program over a full decade, why the “turning down postseason tournaments” conversation reflects where the program actually is, and what needs to change—culture, roster fit, and expectations—if IU wants March to feel like Indiana again.

Conference Tournament Week is here, and Scott and James are in their absolute element. On this episode of CrimsonCASH, the guys dive headfirst into the glorious chaos of March hoops: conference tourney dogs, Big Ten bracket takes, live-betting strategy, player props, and the kind of futures bets that make you feel like a genius right up until Thursday afternoon.They break down the Big Ten tournament path, talk through whether Michigan is really that scary, wonder if Indiana can survive long enough to ruin anyone's weekend plans, and identify a few numbers that are just too tasty to ignore. Then it's a whip-around through conference futures across the country, with everything from sensible picks to true-degenerate “five bucks and vibes” action.And because this is CrimsonCASH, the conversation also wanders into NBA tank-a-palooza parlays, Olympic curling scandal, the mystery of G League betting lines, and why a random game in Noblesville can still spark the gambler's soul. It's March, it's messy, and it's beautiful.TimestampsNote: timestamps may not hyperlink correctly on all podcast players.0:42 — Welcome in: Scott and James kick off Conference Tournament Week1:00 — Why this is the best gambling week of the year1:56 — Small-conference tourneys, Cinderella traps, and betting underdogs4:05 — NBA “tank-a-palooza” parlays and late-season chaos8:02 — Big Ten tournament bracket breakdown begins9:00 — Indiana's path, Northwestern concerns, and why Friday plans are probably safe9:29 — Purdue fade, Michigan State path, and Michigan/Illinois thoughts11:31 — College basketball player prop angles and same-game parlay talk14:10 — Big Ten tournament futures: Michigan, Illinois, Michigan State, Nebraska, and more15:20 — Futures strategy: using conference tournaments to build hedge opportunities16:00 — Rapid-fire conference futures: Big West, CAA, American, A-1017:22 — ACC, America East, MEAC, and Mountain West picks18:27 — Horizon, Ivy, and MAC value plays20:08 — Southland/SWAC talk and live-betting tips for smaller leagues22:17 — Bigger-conference angles and shopping for value24:00 — Big East futures, including a Villanova flyer24:33 — SEC breakdown: Florida, Arkansas, and who not to trust25:31 — WAC, WCC, Troy, Georgia Southern, and late-night tournament fun27:23 — Looking ahead to NCAA tournament episodes and bracket betting28:28 — Olympic curling bets, Canadian cheating, and betting-induced fandom29:01 — The Noblesville Boom/G League story nobody saw coming32:00 — G League basketball: more talent than college, worse team play32:32 — Weird G League free-throw rules33:11 — What's next for CrimsonCASH: March, summer betting, and Kentucky Derby plans

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield recap Indiana men's basketball's rough road loss at Ohio State and what it means with the Hoosiers heading into the Big Ten Tournament needing wins to stay alive for an NCAA Tournament bid. They break down why the game got away early, what the defensive issues continue to be against quality offenses, and why the margin for error is now basically gone.Then it's bracket time: Indiana lands as the 10 seed, likely draws Northwestern on Wednesday, and (if they advance) sets up a rematch with Purdue—with a potential Nebraska game looming after that. The guys discuss what Indiana realistically needs to do, what the bubble looks like nationally, and why this week can still change the feel of the entire season.

On the latest Bubble Watch, GC looks at Indiana's spot on the bubble and talks about why he currently has them in the field --- and what the rest of the field looks like. With a week until Selection Sunday, can the Hoosiers atone for some underwhelming recent games and find their way into the tournament?

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio keep things light (Disney trips, Southwest chaos, and a couple of new championship set pieces) before touching briefly on Indiana men's basketball's home loss to Michigan State and what it means for the Hoosiers' bubble outlook heading into Senior Night vs Minnesota. Then it's football time: Indiana sends a program-record nine players to the NFL Combine, and the show reacts to some of the best quotes of the week — including reflections on Curt Cignetti, the journey from belief to a title, and Fernando Mendoza being… Fernando Mendoza. They also revisit what makes Indiana's culture and “businesslike” standard so distinctive, with a great pull from Bryant Haines on what it took to wake up the fan base.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield recap Indiana men's basketball's loss to Michigan State and take a clear-eyed look at where the Hoosiers are right now after four straight defeats. They discuss what's been hardest to sustain in Big Ten play, why the margins have felt so thin lately, and which areas Indiana most needs to shore up—especially on the defensive end and on the glass.The conversation also looks ahead: what this stretch reveals about roster building in the portal era, why the upcoming offseason is an important opportunity for Darian DeVries and the staff, and what Indiana can prioritize to create a more consistent foundation going into next season.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio talk through a brutal week for Indiana men's basketball, starting with the collapse and loss to Northwestern at Assembly Hall. It's a full therapy session: effort concerns, the offensive disappearance, rebounding issues, and the late no-call that capped a night IU fans won't forget. Then the mood shifts to the “happy things” segment: Indiana football's momentum keeps rolling as 2026 football season tickets sell out, and the Hoosiers send a program-record nine players to the NFL Combine—with plenty of love for Fernando Mendoza, Aiden Fisher, and the rest of the title-team stars. Plus: Team USA's gold medal win over Canada in hockey, and (of course) a quick Max Mendoza detour to close it out.

Indiana is a national champion. Say it again. Indiana. Is. A. National. Champion.On this celebratory edition of CrimsonCast, Scott is joined by Jerod Morris of The Assembly Call for a full-on IU football retrospective — from Bill Mallory roots and Memorial Stadium childhood memories to the Peach Bowl, the Rose Bowl, and that unforgettable national championship night in Miami.This isn't just a recap. It's therapy. It's joy. It's disbelief. It's perspective. It's what happens when a program that spent decades building brick by brick finally stands at the top of the sport.Jared shares what it was like growing up the son of a Mallory assistant, how Indiana football shaped his identity long before basketball ever did, and what this title means to fans who lived through 0-11 seasons, coaching changes, near-misses, and rivalry heartbreak. They dig into the signature moments — the Ohio State statement, the CFP run, the championship game atmosphere — and why this wasn't a fluke, but the culmination of vision, culture, and belief.There's laughter, there's nostalgia, there's a little Purdue ribbing, and yes — there's a reminder that no one can ever take this away.You're a champion. We're all champions.(Note: These may not be clickable depending on your podcast app.)03:30 – 14:00 – Jared's IU football origin story: Bill Mallory, childhood memories, Memorial Stadium, and growing up in the program14:00 – 22:00 – The Peach Bowl feeling, when belief became real, and the shift from “great season” to “we can win it all”22:00 – 36:00 – Building a champion: culture, leadership, recruiting, development, and the vision behind the rise36:00 – 45:00 – The National Championship Game: atmosphere in Miami, signature moments, and why beating elite teams mattered45:00 – 54:00 – The Ohio State factor, rivalry validation, and what made this title feel complete54:00 – 1:03:00 – The emotional aftermath: pride, identity, what it means for IU fans everywhere (even in Texas)1:03:00 – End – Legacy talk, perspective, and the simple truth: you can never take away a national championshipIf you've ever sat in Memorial Stadium in bad weather.If you've ever defended IU football to skeptical friends.If you've ever believed — even just a little — that someday it could happen…This episode is for you.

Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield open with a quick detour into Olympic hockey chaos, then dive into two big Indiana topics.First: Indiana football's new reality—Curt Cignetti's massive contract extension, what it signals about IU's willingness to spend like a true power, and why the next phase has to include real Memorial Stadium upgrades to match the program's new level. The guys also discuss the NCAA's latest bout of pettiness and why the Louis Moore injunction chatter isn't something Hoosiers should lose sleep over. Then it's basketball: Indiana's week goes sideways with losses at Illinois and a 29-point blowout at Purdue (the biggest margin in the series since 1969). They break down why IU's early offensive stagnation doomed the game, the troubling defensive trendlines, and why the path to the NCAA Tournament is suddenly far narrower than it looked a couple weeks ago.

Grace Ybarra and Galen Clavio are back with a packed Hoosiers episode that starts on the hardwood and ends… in the Max Mendoza Cinematic Universe.They open with Indiana men's basketball's rough loss at Illinois—why the game got away from IU, what the run problems and rebounding issues reveal, and why the margin for error gets tiny fast when the supporting scoring disappears. Then it's a forward look at the toughest test on the schedule: Purdue at Mackey, what Indiana must do to have a chance, and why this matchup is especially unforgiving given Purdue's offensive efficiency profile.After that, it's football: Bryant Haines winning the Broyles Award (and what it signals for Indiana's defensive brand), plus a staff update with Bryson Bonds joining as a special teams assistant and what it says about the program's culture.Finally, the show turns into a brainstorming session on how to upgrade the Memorial Stadium experience (bathrooms, concourses, audio/visual, lights, premium areas, and where the “National Champions” banner/trophies should live)… and then pivots to the must-follow phenomenon: The Max Mendoza Show—including clips, commentary, and a ridiculous over/under game about X follower counts.

On this episode of CrimsonCast Perspectives, GC tests out some new lighting in the studio while talking about why the Big Ten's recently leaked 24 team playoff proposal makes a lot more sense than people are giving it credit. Too much emphasis is being placed on a regular season that no longer tells us very much about who the best teams in the country are --- and we're not changing that anytime soon. It's time to stop fighting playoff expansion and embrace it instead.Leave your comments below with thoughts and opinions about a 24 team playoff in college football

On this episode of CrimsonCast Scott is joined by special guest Connor Onion from the Big Ten Network!Episode HighlightsThe Ultimate Glow-Up: A look back at the wild ride from a three-and-nine team to a 16-0 national champion.When Belief Set In: Connor and the host discuss the exact moment they realized this wasn't a fluke—the Big 10 Championship game against Ohio State.The Heisman Warrior: A breakdown of Fernando Mendoza's incredible season, balancing his "warrior" mentality on the field with his "goofy" social media persona.Breaking College Football: How Indiana's success is confusing the national media and why Big Ten rivals are now celebrating when they don't have to play the Hoosiers.The Cignetti Factor: Why Curt Cignetti is the perfect coach for Bloomington and how he's building a legacy that might eventually include multiple statues.Behind the FOX Curtain: Connor takes us inside the network's preseason "referee boot camp" where announcers get quizzed on targeting and new rules.The Transformation of the Rock: Celebrating the new, electric atmosphere at Memorial Stadium and how it finally became a legitimate home-field advantage.00:25 – Welcome to the show: We are national champions!01:31 – Connor Onion on following the journey from 3-9 to 16-002:54 – The turning point: Winning over the skeptics in the Big 10 title game04:52 – Remembering the ominous start vs. Old Dominion09:20 – Media shifts: Preparing for early morning "Big Noon" kickoffs14:18 – A sidebar on the "dumbest T-shirt ever"15:52 – Can anyone replicate the Indiana model?19:43 – Fernando Mendoza: Heisman winner and on-field warrior22:52 – FOX Sports referee boot camp and the mystery of the pivot foot34:55 – Five-year outlook: Is this level of success sustainable?37:51 – The legacy of Curt Cignetti48:58 – From empty tailgates to a sold-out Memorial Stadium51:43 – Closing thoughts and basketball tournament hopes