Episode Notes: Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 84 Podcast: Indiana VOCFB (Voice of College Football) Hosts: Alec Keezer & Brad Loomis

Guest: Sammy Jacobs (Hoosier Huddle)

Date/Context: June 2, 2026

Recent episode discussing the rapid evolution of Indiana Hoosiers football (#IUFB) under Curt Cignetti.

The episode celebrates Indiana football’s transformation from a program with limited media coverage to a rising powerhouse with national attention. It covers 2026 season outlook, roster building, Cignetti’s impact, recruiting, and the growth of IU-specific media.

1. 2026 Season Outlook & North Texas Opener

• FanDuel line discussion: Indiana favored by ~38.5 points.
• Hosts note Cignetti teams often start slow (tune-up games) but improve dramatically. Caution against overconfidence despite strong roster.
• Historical context: First games under Cignetti (vs. FIU, Western Illinois) didn’t always “look the part” despite blowout potential.

2. 2026 Schedule Highlights (First 5 Weeks)

• Week 1: Big Noon Kickoff vs. North Texas
• Week 2: Noon vs. Howard (Big Ten Network)
• Week 3: 4 PM vs. Western Kentucky (Peacock)
• Week 4: Friday Night vs. Northwestern (Big Ten opener)
• Week 5: Night game at Rutgers (TBD – potential NBC/BTN)

3. College Football 27 Video Game Cover

• Curt Cignetti featured prominently.
• Mixed reactions: Hosts appreciate the recognition but debate the group design vs. solo focus. Acknowledged as a huge milestone for the program and Cignetti’s birthday release.

4. ESPN Top 100 Newcomers List

• Josh Hoover (#1): Replacing Heisman-level production; highest value newcomer as QB for defending champs.
• Nick Marsh (#11): Strong case as top WR newcomer.
• Toby Osasami (#18): Key edge addition.
• Turbo Richard: Lower ranking questioned given RB room turnover.
• Indiana had strong representation (tied for most in top 20 with Miami).

5. Roster Construction & Future (2026–2027)

• Heavy transfer portal reliance in early Cignetti years transitioning to more homegrown talent.
• Tyler Cherry seen as pivotal for 2026+ QB stability.
• 2027 viewed as a “transformation/evolution” year — first big freshman class matures.
• Balance of portal veterans + developing youth emphasized. Cignetti acts as de facto GM.

6. Curt Cignetti Deep Dive (Sammy’s Insights)

• Described as a “football junkie” and intense competitor — watches film obsessively.
• Personality: Serious sideline demeanor but has a fun, witty side; hates complacency even in blowouts.
• Coaching philosophy: Builds trust with staff/players; relentless improvement focus.
• Sammy: “One of one” — IU is lucky to have him.

7. Recruiting Notes

• Optimism on several targets (e.g., Jalen Brewster, Dijon Talley-Rhodes, Munchie Sales, Caleb Johnson).
• Tight end room highlighted as young but talented with high staff confidence.

8. Media Landscape & Hoosier Huddle

• Sammy discusses growth of IU football media (Hoosier Huddle’s new weekly podcast series on Believe Network).
• Reflection on early days when coverage was sparse vs. current vibrant ecosystem.
• New podcast: Bar-style football talk with Jamie Jordan — topics, chat Q&A, ~45-60 minutes.

• On Cignetti: “He’s not a normal dude… If you made a coach on the new NCAA game and put 99 on everything, that would be Sick.”
• On program evolution: “The whole future hinges on Tyler Cherry.”
• Sammy on media growth: Gratitude for fans and the journey from limited coverage to thriving IU football content space.

Enthusiastic, insightful, and fan-focused. Excellent for hardcore #IUFB followers wanting insider recruiting thoughts, strategic analysis, and appreciation of how far the program has come. Strong mix of immediate 2026 talk and long-term vision.

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Episode Notes: "Curt Cignetti Sets the Pace!" / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 83
Hosts: Alec Keezer & Bradley Loomis
Channel: Voice of College Football Network (Indiana VOCFB)
Date: ~May 26, 2026
Main Themes

Optimism around Indiana Football under Curt Cignetti heading into 2026.
Strong belief that IU is being disrespected nationally despite recent success.
Culture, roster continuity, and roster upgrades as keys to sustained success.
Big picture Big Ten vs. SEC discussion.

Key Segments & Takeaways

1. Early Betting Odds: Ohio State @ Indiana (Oct 17)

FanDuel released lines unusually early.
Indiana -1.5 at home (hosts shocked and thrilled).
Moneyline near pick’em; slight lean over.
Hosts view this as massive disrespect to IU’s home field advantage (unbeaten under Cignetti) and overall roster.
Strong lean: Take Indiana + points or moneyline.

1. On3 Top 100 & Ohio State Preview

Acknowledge Ohio State’s elite returning WR duo (Jeremiah Smith + Emeka Egbuka/Sane).
IU has clear edges in trenches (O-line & D-line), depth, and overall roster construction.
Hosts believe IU is better position-by-position except possibly WR1 and marginal QB edge.
Expect a close, physical game decided in the trenches.

1. Culture, Continuity & Leadership

Addressing concerns about losing JMU transfer “culture setters.”
18 scholarship players with 2+ full years in Cignetti’s program.
Roster now full of Power 4 talents (much higher baseline than Year 1).
Carter Smith & Tyree Tucker highlighted as ideal leaders (“The Standard” episode recommended).
Culture remains intact (Ellison & Karp now on staff).

1. Recruiting/Transfers Buzz

Praise for Joshua Burnham & Joe Yelly (transfer standouts).
New high school commit: Jordan Carrasquillo (WR from Georgia, elite lacrosse background, big-bodied prospect).
Weight room highlights: Brendan Sharp squatting 400+ lbs, Mason McDermott benching 390.

1. Other Notes

Lane Kiffin comments on Ole Miss/2024 playoff (hosts love Kiffin’s confidence).
Preston Zachman player spotlight (intelligence & versatility praised for Haynes’ defense).
Defensive projections: Potentially the best unit in college football.

1. Big Ten vs. SEC Hypothetical Challenge

Hosts run through a full slate of matchups.
Final tally: Big Ten ~11-5 (strong depth showing).
Standout predictions:
Northwestern over Vanderbilt
Wisconsin over Florida
Rutgers over Kentucky (close)
Illinois over Arkansas (Bielema Bowl)
UCLA over Mississippi State
Penn State over Tennessee
USC over LSU
Indiana over Georgia (crown jewel)

Reinforces belief that Big Ten depth is comparable (or superior) to SEC.

Overall Tone
Extremely bullish on Indiana 2026. Emphasis on Cignetti’s program building, roster improvement, and belief that IU is “setting the pace” in the Big Ten. Mix of analysis, humor, recruiting nuggets, and conference pride.
Signature Closer: “Go Hoosiers!”

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#IUFB Recruiting Momentum is Real! / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 82

Hosts: Alec Keezer & Bradley Loomis (Indiana VOCFB) Length: ~1 hour 33 minutes (based on transcript timestamps) Date/Context: Recent episode covering Phil Steele national cover, NFL Draft odds, recruiting updates, program momentum, and more. Shout-out to Jackson Johnson (the user!) for the intro/outro music and video.

• 0:00 – 0:50: Intro, FanDuel sponsorship, big shout-out to Jackson Johnson for intro/outro production. Banter with Brad (master of the eye test).
• 0:50 – 4:00: Phil Steele national cover discussion. Features QBs: Dante Moore (Indiana), Arch Manning (Texas), Gunner Stockton (Georgia), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Josh Hoover (Oregon? TCU transfer context). Note on practice jersey for Moore.
• 4:00 – 9:00: FanDuel 2027 NFL Draft #1 overall pick odds:
  • Arch Manning (+185 favorite)
  • Dante Moore (+420)
  • CJ Carr (+600)
  • Julian Sayin (+1400)
  • Josh Hoover (+4500)
  • Gunner Stockton (no odds) Hosts rank NFL prospects vs. college performance.
• 9:00 – 16:00: "Goon" (college) QB rankings: Sayin #1 (Heisman finalist, production), Hoover #2 (production + system), then Manning/Moore/Carr tier. Discussion on upside vs. proven production, Gunner Stockton as "Georgia Peyton Ramsey."
• 16:00 – 25:00: Brad’s Top 5 desired Indiana home-and-homes:
  1. Notre Dame (in-state rivalry, blue blood)
  2. Kentucky (historic rivalry, great colors)
  3. Texas Tech (recruiting exposure)
  4. Miami (smack talk revenge)
  5. Alabama (more revenge) Honorable mentions: anyone who wants the smoke.
• 25:00 – 40:00+: Chat questions, recruiting updates (e.g., Torbert decommits), philosophy on talent development, portal vs. high school recruiting, "it's just kids playing football," sustainability without massive classes.
• Later segments: Josh Pate comments on IU fan base, NFL schedule reveal (Raiders Step Brothers parody with Mendoza), Hoosier the Bison mascot reveal, "Night with the Hoosiers" fundraiser, Tyson Brown story, Josh Hoover update, NFL Rookie Premiere (Mendoza, Black, Surratt, Cooper), 2021 shirtless section tribute, LeVar Keyes on campus, Purdue GPA joke, Brandon Sorsby update, cornerback NFL draft chart (Sharp & Harris looking strong), Kirkwood & Dunn appearance.
• Closing: Momentum message — arrow pointing up for IUFB. Like/subscribe calls, Go Hoosiers.

• Recruiting Momentum: Real and sustainable. Portal success + development > raw HS rankings. Program winning with or without any single recruit.
• Optimism for 2026/2027: Strong QB room (Hoover), corners (Sharp/Harris), overall trajectory under Cignetti.
• Program Culture: Health-focused (limited tackling), fan investment, development focus, "next man up."
• Fun Vibes: Rival banter, uniform/color talk, villain drafts, Drake/Iceman joke closer.

Episode Vibe: High-energy, optimistic IU football talk with analysis, humor, and fan engagement. Perfect for Hoosier faithful tracking the rise.

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Episode Notes: Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 81
Title: A Celebration of the National Champions + First Goom Rankings of 2026
Date: May 13, 2026
Hosts: Alec Keezer & Bradley Loomis (IndianaVOCFB / Voice of College Football)
Length: ~2+ hours (full live show)
Key Segments & Highlights
FanDuel Betting & Fernando Mendoza Talk

FanDuel over/under for Mendoza’s rookie passing yards: 2,350.5.
Hosts discuss why Kirk Cousins starts Week 1 and the value in Mendoza seeing NFL speed before taking over (projected mid-season insertion).
Strong hype: Mendoza’s throwing motion, spiral, and Brady/Luck comparisons (body type, accuracy, football IQ, towel gag).
Emphasis on Raiders’ need to build the system/line around him for long-term success.

2025 National Champions Celebration

Indiana’s White House visit, “Get the Gat” moment, and team recognition.
Discussion of Fernando not attending, team responses, and why championship traditions matter regardless of politics.
Pride in Sig’s journey and the program’s momentum.

Hoosier NFL Pipeline & Rookies

Updates on Raiders (top pipeline), Jets (Cooper Jr. #3, D’Angelo Pons #23), 49ers, etc.
10 draft picks in two years (massive turnaround stat).
Rookie minicamp notes (Curtis Rourke back, Kalon Black, etc.).
NFL Honors / Rookie Premiere attendees: Kalon Black, Omar Cooper Jr., Fernando Mendoza, Elijah Surratt.

2026 Schedule Notes

Phil Steele’s toughest opponent win% rankings: Indiana #11 nationally.
Non-conference and Big Ten slate discussion.
Northwestern game moved to Friday, Sept 25 (Fox Friday Night).

First Goom Rankings of 2026 (Preseason)
Brad’s initial top rankings (eye-test + continuity focused):

1. Indiana (defending champs – elite returning defense + upgrades)
2. Miami
3. Oregon
4. Ole Miss
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Texas A&M
8. Oklahoma
9. Alabama
10. Texas Tech
11. Notre Dame
    Lower tiers include USC (15), SMU (17), Washington, Penn State, Virginia Tech, BYU, etc.

Goom Philosophy

Heavy weight on playoff teams from prior year rolling over.
Continuity (coach/QB/coordinator), roster talent, and “new blood” programs investing heavily.
Dark horse tier (15–11) and proven contenders (top 10).

Other Notes

Graduates, returning players, and depth chart optimism.
Recruiting window “kicked open,” pipeline building, and culture talk.
Light-hearted bits: Jumpman #23 for Pons, receiving back debates, etc.

Closing

Call to action for YouTube subs (just passed 600, aiming for 1K by season), reviews, and social follows.
Next show returns to Tuesday nights with big recruiting updates.

Overall Vibe: Celebratory yet forward-looking. Strong Indiana optimism for a repeat/contender run in 2026 anchored by what’s expected to be a nationally elite defense. Fun, rambling Hoosier fan energy with detailed NFL and CFB analysis.
Great episode for fans wanting the pulse on Mendoza’s NFL outlook, championship reflection, and early 2026 preseason power rankings.

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Indiana Hoosiers LIVE #80 -Recruiting Round-Up Hosts: Alec Keezer & Bradley Loomis

Presented by: FanDuel

Date: ~May 5 2026 (Cinco de Mayo reference)

Length: ~1 hour 58 minutes

The show jumps straight into college football talk with no formal intro (new thumbnail issues). Main focus is a deep 2027 recruiting round-up for Indiana, framed against national storylines, recent Hoosier NFL success, program culture/retention, and comparisons to other rebuilding programs like UCLA. Optimistic but realistic tone — heavy emphasis on staff evaluation, culture, and long-term upside under Curt Cignetti and coordinators.

Opening / National Storylines

• UCLA momentum under first-year head coach (strong transfer class + #5 recruiting class) compared to Indiana’s rebuild. Discussion of Nico Iamaleava Heisman odds (+8000 on FanDuel) if UCLA sniffs 10 wins.
• Oklahoma State also noted as a similar high-upside rebuild with a CFP-experienced coach.
• Hosts temper UCLA hype: hard to win big immediately in Year 1 (Cignetti’s success was exceptional).

Hoosier News & NFL Success

• Jamison Purcell (QB commit) invited to Elite 11 finals in LA — big validation for the staff’s evaluation.
• Fernando Mendoza & Omar Cooper Jr.: First QB-WR teammate duo selected in Round 1 since 2023. NFL account shoutout.
• Khalil Benson & Johnny Brady earn contracts post-minicamp.
• 21 active NFL contracts from Cignetti-era players in just two years.
• Drew Evans named Scholar Athlete of the Month (projected starting center).
• Nate Tice mock: Nick Marsh (projected ~11th overall), Charlie Becker (~21st). Hosts call Marsh and Ladd McConkie “special”/top-20 caliber.
• Mark Cuban comments: Confirmed he helped close the NIL deal for Mendoza (put up the rest of the money to beat Georgia).

Culture & Retention

• Indiana #1 in Power 4 retention score — strongest indicator of program culture. Only lost depth pieces (most to lower levels).
• Josh Pate video and Matt Patricia comments (“terrifying” to face Mendoza/Caden Curry) reinforce sustained success expectations.
• “Best indicator of future NFL talent = guys who were already good at football” — eye test + correlations discussed.

2027 Recruiting Deep Dive (Main Focus)

• Overall Vibe: Staff is executing a clear plan (4-hour radius emphasis, targeting high-upside fits). Hosts are “zero percent worried” long-term. Expect a strong May/June push.
• QB: Jamison Purcell (Elite 11) locked in as future.
• O-Line: Strong returning pieces + high expectations (possible Joe Moore Award talk).
• D-Line: Very set. Heavy pursuit of Jalen Brewster (#1 overall recruit, Texas Tech commit) — serious flip watch. Also targeting big DNs like Reynaldo Perez (Columbus, OH) and in-state Jace Brewer (Franklin Central).
• Linebacker: Younger room but blue-chip core (Jacob Savage, PJ Nelson, Henry Olinger, Jayden Williams). Targeting Jalathan Mayfield (high-upside visitor).
• DBs: Major excitement. Returning depth + targets:
  • Monsanto Torbett Jr. (committed 4-star).
  • Raheem Floyd (East St. Louis).
  • Kanaz Sullivan (rover/safety type, spring game visitor).
  • Junior Tuopo (Alabama/Oregon/Indiana final three).
  • Brady Scott (strong lean).
• Emphasis on bringing in 4–5 high-upside DBs to form a future core.

Other Notes

• Positive on in-state/Ohio/Midwest pipeline and beating big programs in specific battles.
• Humorous asides on Laker fandom, Boston Red Sox, UFC (Carlos Alcaraz? — likely typo/context for a fighter), etc.

Hosts express high confidence in the staff’s recruiting vision and program trajectory. Strong call-to-action for YouTube subs (chasing 1K before next season), likes, and follows.

Overall Tone: High-energy, fan-focused, analytical but fun. Strong buy-in on Cignetti’s process and the “master of the eye test” approach. Ideal listen for IU fans wanting a full recruiting temperature check in early May 2026.

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