CrimsonCast LIVE - Indiana Football Q&A, World Cup Recap & EA CFB 27 Early Thoughts

Indiana football is almost back, and CrimsonCast goes live to talk Big Ten Media Days, Curt Cignetti, Josh Hoover, IU’s defense, ESPN FPI, and the questions that matter heading into the 2026 Hoosiers season. Galen Clavio also reflects on the World Cup in the United States, the viral “Elsa” fan story, what the tournament showed about American soccer culture, and whether Mauricio Pochettino should stay with the USMNT. Then the show shifts into IU football Q&A: why Cignetti, Bryant Haines, and Mike Shanahan keep finding overlooked talent, what to expect from Josh Hoover, whether Indiana has the on-field leadership to repeat, who can replace D’Angelo Ponds, why ESPN’s FPI still struggles with transfer-era college football, and what EA Sports needs to fix in College Football 27. Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more CrimsonCast coverage of Indiana football, IU basketball, the Hoosiers, Big Ten football, college football, and the 2026 season. Book a table for the event at Joe's on Weed St! https://tinyurl.com/yrvx9vun Buy some CrimsonCast Merch! https://tinyurl.com/ppnp9sxu ⏰ Timestamps 00:31 — Galen opens live with Big Ten Media Days and IU football season nearing 03:40 — CrimsonCast merch, Chicago live show, and Homefield updates 08:43 — The Elsa story and what the World Cup showed about the United States 15:22 — Should Mauricio Pochettino stay with the USMNT? 21:43 — What Curt Cignetti and IU’s coaches are doing differently 30:28 — Memorial Stadium upgrades vs. a new Indiana football stadium 32:37 — Will Josh Hoover fit in as Indiana’s quarterback? 34:55 — IU’s on-field leaders at center, linebacker, and quarterback 38:04 — Replacing D’Angelo Ponds and the AJ Harris question at cornerback 48:37 — ESPN FPI, SEC inflation, and why models struggle with Indiana 56:04 — EA College Football 27: coach mode, NIL, Dynasty issues, and roster ratings 01:03:54 — Big Ten Media Days coverage, Joe’s on Weed Street, and what’s next