FCS Football Talk

Note: This episode originally aired on March 18. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by KC Smurthwaite, HERO Sports writer and a college athletics consultant The two discuss topics like future outlooks for conferences like the UAC and Summit League, future realignment dominoes, the college football landscape, and private equity in the FCS playoffs.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Note: This episode originally aired on March 4. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by Craig Haley, the FCS Senior Editor for Stats Perform/The Analyst. The two discuss:-FCS championship future-Private equity in the playoffs-Penn hiring Rick Santos, and Yale hiring Kevin Cahill-Future realignment-Where has the FCS improved over Craig’s time covering the subdivision, and where has it weakened?-Parity in the FCS-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam breaks down his early FCS Top 15 teams heading into the 2026 season.

On this episode, Sam talks about Harvard branching out and scheduling tough non-conference games against FCS playoff contenders. He also discusses the Week 0 slate this year and how it was a missed opportunity for the FCS.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 30 returning FCS linebackers. The ranking in article form can be found here.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 25 returning FCS quarterbacks. The ranking in article form can be found here.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. They discuss:-Multiple Southland players as 2026 NFL Draft prospects-Player retention and the transfer portal-FCS playoff committee emphasizing D1 opponents-FCS Kickoff status -Autonomy subdivision discussions -Update on private equity and the FCS playoffs -Update on FCS championship game bid process-And more

On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 30 returning FCS running backs. The ranking in article form can be found here.

On this episode, Sam is joined by West Florida broadcaster Will Kennedy.The two discuss UWF’s move to the FCS from D2, the football program’s rapid rise, the school’s investment in football, and more.

What are the biggest offseason questions for the Montana, Montana State, UND, USD, and SDSU football teams? We discuss one big-picture question for each program, and one on-field question for the 2026 season.

On this episode, Sam goes solo and talks about changes to the FCS playoff at-large selection criteria, this season’s championship game date possibly being moved, an executive order protecting the Army-Navy game potentially impacting the FCS quarterfinals and Celebration Bowl, changes to the targeting rule, and a potentially new subdivision at the top of Division 1.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by KC Smurthwaite, HERO Sports writer and a college athletics consultant The two discuss topics like future outlooks for conferences like the UAC and Summit League, future realignment dominoes, the college football landscape, and private equity in the FCS playoffs.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Timothy Rosario, co-host of The Bluebloods on FCS Football Central.The two discuss:-Most surprising offseason headline-Big-picture questions ahead of the 2026 season-Is it Montana State vs. the field?-Who are some dark horses?-Can Illinois State keep its momentum going?-Who can take a step forward with impressive transfers?-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Craig Haley, the FCS Senior Editor for Stats Perform/The Analyst. The two discuss:-FCS championship future-Private equity in the playoffs-Penn hiring Rick Santos, and Yale hiring Kevin Cahill-Future realignment-Where has the FCS improved over Craig’s time covering the subdivision, and where has it weakened?-Parity in the FCS-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Tennessee Tech general manager and director of player personnel Justin McMullen.The two discuss:-The role of a college football GM-Recruiting the transfer portal -Player retention-Revenue-sharing -Communication with agents -Tampering -Transfer portal windows -TN Tech program momentum-And more

On this episode, Sam is joined by Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central and The Bluebloods.The two discuss:-NDSU going to the FBS, why it makes sense for the Bison, and what it means for the FCS-Bobby Hauck retiring as head coach at Montana, and then quickly coming out of retirement to take the Illinois DC gig-Travis Johansen stepping down as South Dakota’s head coach to take the Rutgers DC job-Sac State’s FBS pushThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill.The two discuss:-Bobby Hauck’s retirement-Montana State winning the natty-Nashville experience-Update on Sequence Equity’s pitch for the FCS playoffs -Southern Utah and Utah Tech joining the Big Sky-Jersey patches-Scholarship caps in the House era-Collective bargaining in college football-Western Realignment-And more

On this episode, Sam is joined by FCS Nation Radio’s Stone Labanowitz.The former Southern Illinois quarterback turned FCS media member talks all things quarterbacks. Sam and Stone chat about the top returners in 2026, discuss why many of the top signal-callers returned, and talk about some risks of the transfer portal.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by FCS Fans Nation’s Jamie Williams. The two discuss the biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2025 FCS season. Which teams surpassed preseason expectations? And which teams did not live up to the hype?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach recap an epic FCS championship game as Montana State defeats Illinois State in overtime. They also talk about how ISU and MSU can reload for next season. And then they discuss the experience in Nashville, which made its debut hosting the game.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Audio from Montana State's and Illinois State's FCS championship postgame press conferences.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen met with the media in Nashville two days before the FCS championship game.

Illinois State head coach Brock Spack met with the media in Nashville two days before the FCS championship game.

On this episode, Sam and Zach preview the FCS championship game between Montana State and Illinois State. What are some key matchups, things to watch, and storylines heading into this game?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports and ESPN Montana. They discuss:-Montana State’s journey to the national title game-How this year’s team has a different personality from last year’s team-Is last year’s championship result a motivating factor?-Is this the best coaching job by Brent Vigen in his time at MSU?-Justin Lamson and the new-look offense-Illinois State matchup-Nashville-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by John Fitzgerald, the play-by-play voice for Illinois State. They discuss:-Illinois State’s playoff journey to Nashville-When did things click for Illinois State-The win at NDSU-Expected crowd in Nashville-Key players for Illinois State-Brock Spack-Illinois State adapting to the new age of college athletics-The matchup against Montana State-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen, offensive lineman JT Reed, and defensive tackle Paul Brott met with the media for a virtual press conference a week before the FCS championship. In-person media interviews will be conducted two days before the game in Nashville. Here is audio from the Dec. 29 presser.

Illinois State head coach Brock Spack, quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, and linebacker Tye Niekamp met with the FCS media for a virtual press conference a week before the FCS championship. In-person media interviews will be conducted two days before the game in Nashville. Here is audio from the Dec. 29 presser.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-Recapping the semifinal games as Montana State defeats Montana in an epic atmosphere, and Illinois State’s incredible run continues with a win at Villanova.-They then give a 500-foot view of the FCS championship matchup and the atmosphere it’ll be in Nashville.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the quarterfinals-Previewing the semifinal round-How hyped is the Montana-Montana State game? How unexpected is the Illinois State-Villanova game? What are the keys to victory? And is new blood in one semifinal matchup good for the FCS?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the 2nd round.-What do we make of NDSU’s loss and Mercer’s performance? Meanwhile, USD and Montana impress in their wins.-Game-by-game previews for the quarterfinals and Celebration Bowl.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the 1st round-Game-by-game previews for the 2nd roundThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss the FCS playoff bracket. What were the biggest surprises in the seeds and on the bubble? They then break down each corner of the bracket before looking into the FCS championship odds.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss playoff outlooks for each conference. Who are some bid thieves? Who is on the playoff bubble? Who is in a position to earn a Top 16 seed and a Top 8 seed? They break it all down here.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 11-USD, Mercer, Lamar, YSU, and NDSU all pick up wins in ranked matchups-Playoff scenarios for teams and conferences, and how some Week 12 games impact the postseason picture-Notable games include No. 14 Illinois State at No. 16 South Dakota State, No. 19 Lamar at No. 15 Stephen F. Austin, No. 17 South Dakota at No. 21 Southern Illinois, No. 9 UC Davis at No. 3 Montana State, and No. 11 Rhode Island at MaineThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 10-Which upsets were most surprising between:No. 24/25 ACU beat No. 2/2 Tarleton StateIndiana State beat No. 4/5 SDSUIdaho State beat No. 6/6 UC DavisSouth Dakota beat No. 8/10 North DakotaUIW beat No. 14/14 LamarIdaho beat No. 19/21 Northern ArizonaSouthern Utah beat No. 22/24 Austin Peay-What to do with teams like Tarleton State and SDSU?-Did we jump the gun on the NDSU vs. the field talk?-Top 4 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 9-NDSU rolls SDSU, James Conway breaks an FCS career record, Michael Wortham is a star, and UTRGV continues to impress-Is it NDSU vs. the field? And where does SDSU go from here?-Big implications this week for No. 2/2 Tarleton State at No. 24/25 Abilene Christian-A look at Top 8 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 8-No. 1/1 NDSU at No. 2/2 SDSU preview. How crucial is Chase Mason’s status in this game? What are the key matchups? And what are the implications?-No. 18/20 Illinois State at No. 21/NR South Dakota preview. A huge matchup for playoff hopes.-No. 4/4 Montana at Sac State preview. A major game, plus some antics adding more drama.-No. 3/3 Tarleton State at Eastern Kentucky preview. Can Tarleton keep it rolling?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam discusses the FCS playoff committee's Top 10 ranking. He breaks down the order of teams, their resumes, and some teams just on the outside.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 7-Projecting what they think the playoff committee’s Top 6 will be when it reveals its Top 10 ranking on Wednesday?-Are the top two obvious? Who has the best argument for the No. 3 spot? We think we know who the five teams are to be sorted within the Top 5, but how many teams are in position for the No. 6 spot?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 6-What do we make of multiple Top 7 teams escaping upsets?-As we hit the midway point of the season, some hypothetical playoff seed scenarios get thrown into the discussion-Week 7 preview-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 5-Discussing how we ranked the Top 5 nationally-Week 6 preview: No. 1 NDSU at No. 6 Illinois State, No. 2 SDSU at No. 24 Youngstown State, No. 5 Montana State at No. 13 Northern Arizona, No. 16 West Georgia at No. 22 Austin Peay-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-A new model pitch for the FCS playoffs is being presented to commissioners. What is it? What are the positives? What are the negatives? Will it happen?-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 4The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 3-Montana beats UND in comeback fashion-Tarleton State and SIU dominate on the road-NDSU QB Cole Payton off to a hot start-Rhody improves to 3-0 -UIW makes a QB switch-Week 4 top games-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 2-SDSU's big win at Montana State -Abilene Christian gets a ranked win over SFA-The Pioneer gets two more big non-conference wins -Lamar knocks off South Dakota -Bryant and LIU earn FBS wins-Week 3 top games-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 1-Tarleton State and Austin Peay earn FBS wins-SDSU and Lehigh grab ranked victories-Two ranked SoCon teams get upset-Multiple FCS teams nearly beat FBS opponents-NDSU, Montana State, SDSU debut new QBs-Week 2 top games-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. The two discuss:-Nicholls’ upset over No. 5 UIW on ESPN2-Southland’s rise-UTRGV’s potential-New media deal-Moving to a 9-game conference schedule-FCS championship moving to Nashville-Conference realignment-New D1 governance-And more

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 0-Reacting to Nicholls knocking off No. 5 UIW-Thoughts on Mercer-UC Davis resulting in a no-contest due to lighting-Most intriguing Week 1 games. Will we see any FCS over FBS wins? Can Lehigh make a statement? How juicy is Sac State at SDSU?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds

FCS representatives held a press conference on Thursday ahead of the 2025 season, giving the media an opportunity to ask questions about the FCS playoffs and championship game.In attendance were Chattanooga AD and FCS Championship Committee Chair Mark Wharton, Nashville Sports Council President Scott Ramsey, OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche, and NCAA Director of Championships Ty Halpin.Here is audio from the presser.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss some storylines for Week 0.Games include:No. 5 UIW at Nicholls (ESPN2)Idaho State at UNLV (Mountain West Network)No. 10 Tarleton State at Portland State (ESPN2)No. 8 UC Davis vs. No. 11 Mercer (ESPN)NC Central vs. Southern (ABC)The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit Hero Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.