It Never Rains on this Podcast: A University of Oregon Podcast · FFSN

It Never Rains on this Podcast - Indiana Roster Preview Fall 2025

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Fernando Mendoza took a brutal hit after a bad read—what did Coach Cignetti say to him?

This episode previews the Indiana Hoosiers football roster for the 2025 season ahead of a matchup with Oregon. Host Hithloday of Addicted to Quack is joined by Elsie Norton, an Indiana writer for SB Nation. The hosts have a track record of accurately predicting Indiana's success under coach Kurt Cignetti. They discuss Indiana's undefeated start and the perception that the team is under-covered nationally. The conversation details quarterback Fernando Mendoza's transfer from Cal and his adjustment behind a better offensive line. Running backs Kalen Black and Roman Hemby form a one-two punch, with the injured Lee Beebe out for the season. The tight end room is led by Wisconsin transfer Riley Nowakowski. The analysis highlights returning star wide receivers Elijah Surratt and Omar Cooper, but notes a drop-off in reliable targets after them, partly due to an injury to transfer Tyler Morris. The offensive line features Carter Smith at left tackle and Khalil Benson at right tackle, with some concerns about right guard Bray Lynch. The hosts explain Indiana's dominant win over Illinois was partly motivated by a past blowout loss to Bret Bielema's Wisconsin team. A surprising insight is that Indiana's early-season offensive struggles may have been them testing parts of their playbook they ultimately abandoned due to personnel limitations. The hosts suggest the offense has simplified to what works, primarily featuring Surratt and Cooper. Defensively, the team has shown versatility, using both three- and four-down fronts, with star Mikhail Kamara taking on a more hybrid role. The tone is conversational and deeply analytical, focused on statistical trends and film study. The hosts share a kinship as analysts who feel they understand Indiana better than the national media. This episode is ideal for Oregon fans preparing for the game or college football enthusiasts who enjoy detailed roster breakdowns. Listeners seeking broad narratives or entertainment-focused content might find the granular analysis too niche.

As heard by us

A smart, conversational Indiana preview that connects roster building, expectations, and results without losing the thread.

Indiana is treated as a real football case here, not a throwaway name on the schedule. The discussion works best when it moves from last summer's skepticism to what followed, with Hithloday and Elsie Norton sorting through roster construction, Big Ten expectations, and why a…

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a sharp Indiana check-in with Big Ten context and an honest read on what the start means.

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