FCS Football Talk
Sports
About
FCS Football Talk is a weekly FCS podcast, presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Senior FCS Analyst Sam Herder hosts the show throughout the year. During the season, FCS Football Central Senior Editor Zach McKinnell joins as a co-host. In the offseason, Sam brings on guests from all around the FCS for in-depth conversations.
Episodes
- Harvard Schedules Tough OOC Games + FCS Misses Prime Opportunity For Week 0 Scheduling
In this episode of FCS Football Talk, Sam reviews Harvard's decision to schedule difficult non-conference games against FCS playoff contenders. He also analyzes the Week 0 schedule, deeming it a missed opportunity for the FCS.
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
Sam analyzes his top 30 returning linebackers for the upcoming FCS season. The list is also available in article form, presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM.
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
Sam details his list of the top 25 returning quarterbacks in the FCS. A corresponding article with the full ranking is available.
- Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant
Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant joins FCS Football Talk to discuss potential 2026 NFL Draft prospects from the conference, player retention, the transfer portal, and the FCS playoff committee's criteria. The conversation also…
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
Sam analyzes his top 30 returning running backs in FCS football. The corresponding article with the rankings is provided.
- West Florida Broadcaster Will Kennedy Talks UWF’s DI Move
West Florida broadcaster Will Kennedy discusses UWF’s transition to FCS football from Division 2. The conversation covers the program
- Biggest Offseason Questions for Montana, MSU, SDSU, USD, UND
This episode of FCS Football Talk discusses the major offseason questions facing the Montana, Montana State, UND, USD, and SDSU football programs. The hosts delve into a broad, big-picture question and a specific on-field question for the…
- News Bits: Playoff Committee Encouraging More D1 Opponents + Army-Navy Executive Order May Impact FCS + New DI Subdivision?
This episode covers potential adjustments to the FCS playoff selection criteria, how an executive order on the Army-Navy game might affect the FCS schedule, and the possibility of a new top-tier subdivision within Division 1.
- College Athletics Consultant KC Smurthwaite
Sam talks with college athletics consultant KC Smurthwaite about the future of conferences like the UAC and Summit League, realignment, the college football landscape, and private equity's role in the FCS playoffs.
- Big-Picture Questions Ahead Of The 2026 FCS Season (w/ Timothy Rosario)
Sam and Timothy Rosario discuss the most surprising offseason headline, big-picture questions for the 2026 FCS season, potential contenders like Montana State, dark horse teams, Illinois State's momentum, and teams that can improve with tr…
- FCS Offseason Storylines (w/ Craig Haley)
Sam talks with Craig Haley, Senior Editor for Stats Perform/The Analyst, about FCS football. Topics include the championship's future, private equity in playoffs, recent coaching hires, realignment, and improvements or weaknesses in the FC…
- Tennessee Tech General Manager Justin McMullen
Sam is joined by Tennessee Tech general manager Justin McMullen to discuss the responsibilities of a college football GM, including recruiting, player retention, revenue-sharing, and program momentum.
- NDSU Goes FBS, Hauck Retires & Unretires, Johansen Departs USD
Sam and Zach McKinnell discuss North Dakota State's move to FBS, Bobby Hauck's retirement and unretirement at Montana, and Travis Johansen's departure from South Dakota to take a role at Rutgers. They also touch on Sacramento State's poten…
- Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill
Sam hosts Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill to discuss the FCS playoffs, including Sequence Equity’s pitch, Southern Utah and Utah Tech joining the conference, and Western Realignment.
- Stone Cold FCS QB Conversation w/ Stone Labanowitz
Sam is joined by Stone Labanowitz to discuss top returning FCS quarterbacks in 2026, why they returned, and the risks associated with the transfer portal. The episode is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM.
- FCS Surprises/Disappointments In 2025 (w/ Jamie Williams)
Sam and Jamie Williams discuss the 2025 FCS season's biggest surprises and disappointments. They cover which teams surpassed preseason expectations and which ones did not live up to the hype.
- Recapping The FCS Championship Game & Nashville Experience
Sam and Zach discuss Montana State's overtime victory over Illinois State in the FCS championship. They also cover strategies for both teams to rebuild for the following season and share insights on Nashville's debut as the host city.
- FCS Championship: Postgame Press Conferences
This episode features audio from the postgame press conferences following the FCS Championship game between Montana State and Illinois State.
- FCS Championship: Brent Vigen Jan. 3 Press Conference
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen spoke to the media on January 3rd in Nashville, two days prior to the FCS championship game.
- FCS Championship: Brock Spack Jan. 3 Press Conference
Illinois State head coach Brock Spack held a press conference in Nashville on January 3rd, two days before the FCS championship game.
- FCS Championship Preview
Sam and Zach preview the FCS championship game between Montana State and Illinois State. They discuss key matchups, storylines, and important factors for the game.
- Skyline Sports’ Colter Nuanez Discusses Montana State & The National Championship Game
Sam talks with Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports and ESPN Montana about Montana State’s national championship game appearance. They cover the team’s personality, coaching decisions, the offense, and the Illinois State matchup.
- Illinois State Play-By-Play Voice John Fitzgerald Talks Redbirds’ Road To Nashville
John Fitzgerald, the play-by-play voice for Illinois State, discusses the team's playoff journey to Nashville with host Sam. Topics include when the team clicked, key players, adapting to college athletics, and the upcoming matchup against…
- FCS Championship: Montana State Dec. 29 Press Conference
Audio from a December 29 press conference features Montana State coach Brent Vigen, offensive lineman JT Reed, and defensive tackle Paul Brott discussing the upcoming FCS championship.
- FCS Championship: Illinois State Dec. 29 Press Conference
Illinois State head coach Brock Spack, quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, and linebacker Tye Niekamp participated in a virtual press conference with FCS media on December 29, one week prior to the FCS championship game.
- The FCS Championship Stage Is Set
Sam and Zach discuss the FCS semifinal game results, highlighting Montana State's win over Montana and Illinois State's victory against Villanova. The episode previews the upcoming FCS championship matchup in Nashville.
- FCS Semifinals Preview: 2 Rival Powers Clash & 2 Underdogs Meet
Sam and Zach preview the FCS semifinal matchups, including the Montana-Montana State game and the Illinois State-Villanova game. They discuss keys to victory and the significance of new teams reaching the semifinals.
- 2nd Round Reaction, Quarterfinals Preview
Sam and Zach review the second round of FCS football, covering notable game results and team performances. The episode includes previews of the upcoming quarterfinals and the Celebration Bowl.
- 1st Round Recap, 2nd Round Preview
Sam and Zach review the first round of the FCS playoffs, highlighting three game balls and a flag, before previewing the upcoming second round matchups. The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM.
- Playoff Bracket Reactions, Outlook, And Championship Odds
Sam and Zach discuss the FCS playoff bracket, including surprises in the seeding and on the bubble. They break down each section of the bracket and analyze the championship odds for the FCS.
- Conference-by-Conference Playoff Outlooks
Sam and Zach analyze the playoff outlooks for each conference in FCS football, identifying potential bid thieves, teams on the bubble, and those in contention for top seeds.
- 5 Ranked Games Highlighted Week 11 + Week 12 Playoff Implications
Sam and Zach discuss Week 11 results in FCS football, highlighting wins by ranked teams like USD, Mercer, Lamar, YSU, and NDSU. The episode covers playoff implications and how upcoming Week 12 games will affect the postseason.
- FCS Chaos Weekend Hits -- 7 Upsets Shake Up The Top 25
Sam and Zach review Week 10 of FCS football on FCS Football Talk, covering significant upsets, including No. 25 ACU's win over No. 2 Tarleton State and Indiana State's victory over No. 5 SDSU. They also discuss team rankings and potential…
- NDSU vs. The Field? + Tarleton-ACU Implications + Playoff Seed Scenarios
This episode of FCS Football Talk covers Week 9 highlights, including NDSU's victory and James Conway's career record. Hosts Sam and Zach discuss the dominance of NDSU, the future outlook for SDSU, and the playoff seed implications of the…
- Dakota Marker Week Is Here As No. 1 NDSU and No. 2 SDSU Square Off
Sam and Zach preview the highly anticipated No. 1 NDSU vs No. 2 SDSU Dakota Marker game, analyzing player status, key matchups, and playoff implications. They also discuss other FCS matchups including Illinois State at South Dakota, Montan…
- Thoughts On The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10
Sam analyzes the FCS playoff committee's Top 10 ranking on FCS Football Talk. The discussion covers the specific order of the teams, an examination of their resumes, and consideration of teams ranked just outside the Top 10.
- Week 7 Reactions + Projecting The Playoff Committee’s Ranking
Sam and Zach discuss Week 7 results in FCS football, including three 'Game Balls' and a 'Flag.' They also project the playoff committee's Top 6 teams ahead of the official Top 10 reveal.
- Week 6 Reactions + Playoff Seed Hypotheticals + Week 7 Preview
Sam and Zach review Week 6 FCS football action, discussing upsets and playoff seeding hypotheticals. They also preview upcoming Week 7 games. The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM.
- Montana, NDSU Impress In Week 5 + Ranking The FCS Top 5 + Week 6 preview
Sam and Zach discuss Week 5 FCS football highlights, including "Game Balls and a Flag," how they ranked the Top 5 nationally, and preview key Week 6 matchups like NDSU at Illinois State and SDSU at Youngstown State.
- New FCS Playoff Model Pitch + Week 4 Recap
Sam and Zach discuss a new proposed model for the FCS playoffs, covering its potential benefits and drawbacks. The episode also includes a recap of Week 4, highlighting key performances.
- Montana's Comeback Ranked Win + UAC Continues To Impress
Sam and Zach review Week 3 of FCS football, covering Montana's comeback victory, standout performances from Tarleton State and SIU, NDSU QB Cole Payton's early success, Rhody's undefeated streak, UIW's quarterback situation, and preview to…
- Ranked Wins, FBS Wins, FCS Upsets, And More Highlight Week 2
Sam and Zach review Week 2 FCS football highlights, including notable wins by SDSU, Abilene Christian, Lamar, Bryant, and LIU against FBS opponents. The episode also previews top Week 3 games.
- Tarleton State, Austin Peay Get FBS Wins + SDSU Impresses + New QBs Debut
Sam and Zach review Week 1 of FCS football, highlighting FBS wins by Tarleton State and Austin Peay, ranked victories for SDSU and Lehigh, and the debut of new quarterbacks for NDSU, Montana State, and SDSU.
- 1-on-1 with Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant
Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant joins FCS Football Talk to discuss Nicholls' upset victory, the conference's development, UTRGV's prospects, a new media deal, moving to a 9-game conference schedule, the FCS championship's rel…
- UIW Goes Down + Mercer-UC Davis Didn’t Happen + Week 1 Best Games
FCS Football Talk hosts Sam and Zach discuss Week 0 results, including Nicholls' win over No. 5 UIW and the Mercer-UC Davis game being a no-contest. They also preview notable Week 1 matchups.
- FCS Championship Preseason Press Conference
Audio from the FCS Championship preseason press conference held on Thursday. Attendees included Chattanooga AD Mark Wharton, Nashville Sports Council President Scott Ramsey, OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche, and NCAA Director of Championship…
- Week 0 Preview & Storylines
Sam and Zach preview Week 0 of FCS football, discussing storylines for games such as No. 5 UIW at Nicholls and No. 10 Tarleton State at Portland State.
- Questions Heading Into The 2025 Season
Sam and Zach discuss questions for the 2025 FCS season. Topics include which teams left out of the 2024 playoffs might make it in 2025, which teams in the 2024 playoffs are least likely to return, South Dakota State's projected record, the…
- Discussing Our Preseason FCS Top 25 Ballots
Sam and Zach from FCS Football Talk go over their preseason Top 25 ballots for the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Media Poll, explaining their team rankings and discussing various team situations.
- PxP Announcer Jason Ross Discusses Sac State Football
Sac State football play-by-play broadcaster Jason Ross joins FCS Football Talk to discuss the team's status regarding an FBS push, future plans for 2026, the 2025 squad, recruiting, and NIL.