Explore every episode of the podcast FCS Football Talk

On this episode, Sam is joined by SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. They discuss:
-The SoCon’s approach to the House settlement
-The vote to keep scholarship limits the same
-How many FCS schools could afford to go above 63 scholarships
-How many SoCon schools will opt in
-The SoCon keeping its in-conference transfer rule
-Governance changes in Division I
-And more

On this episode, Sam is joined by ETSU head coach Will Healy.
They discuss:
-Healy's FCS roots, from being a QB on Richmond's 2008 national championship team to an assistant coach at Chattanooga to being the HC at Austin Peay and now ETSU
-The differences and similarities between the G5 and FCS
-What attracted him to ETSU
-What he's learned as a younger head coach
-Positives and negatives he's learned from recruiting the transfer portal
-Landing FBS transfer QBs Cade McNamara and Jacolby Criswell
-2025 spring ball
 -And more

On this episode, Sam is joined by Idaho head coach Thomas Ford Jr.
They discuss:
-Taking over as Idaho’s head coach
-Ford’s rise in the coaching profession
-Navigating the transfer portal
-Idaho fans’ thirst for more success
-A look at the 2025 squad
-And more

On this episode, Sam chats 1-on-1 with North Dakota State head coach Tim Polasek.
They discuss:
-NDSU’s championship run
-Not losing any players to the transfer portal after the title game
-Former Bison players on the coaching staff
-FCS changes while he was in the FBS from 2017-2023
-Ever-changing CFB landscape
-2025 QB competition
-And more

FCS committee chair Matt Larsen (NDSU AD), vice chair Mark Wharton (Chattanooga AD), and NCAA Director of Championships Ty Halpin addressed the media in Frisco two days before the FCS national championship game.
They discussed the new bracket format, the future site of the FCS championship game, Nashville, TV windows, the Ivy League joining the FCS playoffs, and more.

North Dakota State head coach Tim Polasek addressed the media in Frisco two days before the FCS national championship game.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen addresses the media in Frisco two days before the FCS national championship game.

On this episode, Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports and ESPN Montana discusses Montana State's run to the national championship game.
Discussion points include:
-What’s the vibe right now in Montana?
-This MSU squad's business-like attitude 
-Brent Vigen staying
-Tommy Mellott’s play
-Defensive improvements
-Senior class of Montana natives
-Biggest cause for confidence and biggest cause for concern for MSU going up against NDSU
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead's Mike McFeely joins to discuss NDSU's return to the national championship game.
Discussion points include:
-Level of excitement after a 1-year Frisco hiatus
-Tim Polasek and the energy he’s brought
-Cam Miller’s play
-Brent Vigen's time at NDSU
-Will the game be back in Frisco
-Plus an unscripted segment about NDSU and the FBS
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell preview the FCS championship game, discussing the key storylines and matchups between No. 1 Montana State and No. 2 NDSU.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-The Ivy League in the playoffs
-Jason Eck leaving Idaho for New Mexico
-Gevani McCoy potentially transferring to UIW
-Semifinal matchups
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell preview the quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs.
Friday, Dec. 13
8 p.m. CT on ESPN: #8 Idaho at #1 Montana State
Saturday, Dec. 14
11 a.m. CT on ESPN: #6 UIW at #3 SDSU
2 p.m. CT on ESPN+: #5 UC Davis at #4 South Dakota
2:30 p.m. CT on ABC: #7 Mercer at #2 NDSU
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Three Game Balls and A Flag from the first round of the playoffs
-The Top 3 finalists for the Walter Payton Award and Buck Buchanan Award
-Most intriguing second-round matchups
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss playoff scenarios in each conference. Which teams are in contention for a Top 8 seed, and who are bubble teams to pay attention to?

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Week 11 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-A conference-by-conference look at teams still in contention for a Top 8 FCS playoff seed
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, FCS Playoff Committee chair Matt Larsen and the NCAA’s Ty Halpin join the podcast to help break down many topics:

-New format seeding the top 16 seeds

-The committee using new metrics — KPI, Massey Ratings, and ESPN’s Football Power Index

-Are ranked wins counted

-What criteria or metric is usually discussed the most when forming the bracket, whether it be rankings, overall record, eye test, strength of schedule, ranked wins, etc.?

-What is the selection process in determining the field and the order of seeds?

-There are a few playoff committee members whose school will be in the discussion for a spot somewhere in the bracket. How does that work if, for example, NDSU is being discussed when it comes to seeding?

-Minimum bids to host

-Several FCS playoff games getting a national spotlight

-Toyota Stadium renovations

-Frisco

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10 rankings
-Week 9 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-SDSU’s big win over USD
-Week 10’s most intriguing games
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Big-picture outlook of NDSU beating SDSU and how it shapes the national title picture
-Week 8 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-How far should voters have dropped Villanova and Mercer after upset losses in Week 8?
-Is Tommy Mellott a dark horse pick for the Walter Payton Award?
-Week 9 previews: No. 24 WCU at No. 14 Mercer and No. 4 USD at No. 3 SDSU
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Week 7 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-Montana State gets a statement win, while North Alabama, Northern Colorado, and SFA pull off upset wins
-Week 8 previews:
An in-depth preview for No. 1 SDSU at No. 2 NDSU
No. 16 Rhode Island at No. 24 New Hampshire implications
Is Weber State at Sac State already a playoff elimination game?
Is Mercer at Samford a trap game?
Importance of McNeese at UIW in the Southland playoff race
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 6 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-What are the biggest midseason questions?
1. How good is Montana State?
2. Who has the best odds to win the FCS title?
3. What do we make of the CAA race?
4. Can a RB win the Walter Payton Award?

-Week 7 previews
No. 7 Idaho at No. 3 Montana State
No. 24 North Arizona at No. 14 Montana

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Week 5 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-Which team had the most impressive win in Week 5?
-Week 6 previews:
No. 7 North Dakota at No. 2 NDSU
No. 18 Illinois State at No. 19 SIU
No. 5 Central Arkansas at No. 16 ACU
No. 25 NAU at No. 10 Idaho
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Week 4 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-No. 4 Montana’s comeback win over No. 24 Western Carolina
-How open is the race for the FCS National Championship?
-Week 5 previews:
No. 12 Mercer at No. 23 Wofford
No. 17 SIU at No. 5 South Dakota
No. 2 NDSU at No. 18 Illinois State
No. 19 Lamar at No. 7 Central Arkansas
No. 4 Idaho at No. 14 UC Davis
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
-Week 3 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-Southern Illinois & Idaho win statement games against ranked opponents
-Should we be concerned about North Dakota State’s defense after struggling against ETSU?
-Will the recent conference realignment impact the FCS?
-South Dakota State, North Dakota State, and Villanova look unimpressive in Week 3 wins…How should we view these wins?
-Week 4 previews: No. 24 Western Carolina at No. 9 Montana, No. 21 SEMO at No. 7 Southern Illinois, and No. 4 Idaho at No. 19 Abilene Christian
-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 4
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 2 Three Game Balls and A Flag
-No. 23 North Dakota’s win over No. 4 Montana
-No. 1 South Dakota State’s statement win against No. 12 Incarnate Word
-How do we view South Dakota State and Montana after two weeks?
-Multiple preseason-ranked programs fall to 0-2
-Week 3 previews: No. 17 UAlbany at No. 4 Idaho, No. 23 Mercer at No. 14 Chattanooga, No. 12 UIW at No. 9 Southern Illinois, No. 24 Nicholls at No. 11 Sacramento State
-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 3

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 1
-NDSU’s battle against Colorado
-No. 6 Villanova’s win over No. 25 Youngstown State 
-Missed opportunities for FCS programs to pull off FBS upsets
-No. 12 UIW at No. 1 SDSU will tell us a lot about both teams 
-Can No. 23 North Dakota pull off the upset against No. 3 Montana?
-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 2

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 0
-Montana State’s FBS win
-NDSU-Colorado preview
-SDSU-Oklahoma State preview
-Youngstown State-Villanova preview
-Intriguing Week 1 FCS-FBS matchups

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Top 2024 storylines

-FCS playoff seeds increasing to 16

-The FCS championship game moving to Monday night

-Week 0 preview

On this episode, Sam is reunited with Brian McLaughlin. The two go on a wide-ranging conversation, including discussing the FCS level, what has changed, and if more changes could be coming.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Commissioner Michael Cross at SoCon Media Day. The two discuss:
-His first year on the job
-Challenges for mid-majors
-How the SoCon/FCS fits into the future of college football
-Facilities, scholarships, and revenue-sharing
-Conference membership
-SoCon rising in the FCS ranks
-And more

On this episode, Sam is joined by Cole Neely, former Furman football player and current TV analyst, to preview the Paladins.
The two discuss:
-Last year's memorable run
-2024 expectations 
-QB Carson Jones
-Offensive question marks
-Defensive holes to fill 
-High school recruiting 
-SoCon gaining more respect
-thoughts on the FCS landscape
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central and The Bluebloods.
The two discuss some FCS over/unders, including:
-Win totals for SDSU, NDSU, Montana, Montana State, USD, and Nova
-Number of playoff teams from the Big Sky, CAA, MVFC, and SoCon
-Number of Big Sky/MVFC teams in the semifinals
-Number of FCS over FBS wins
-Micah Davey tackles
-ShunDerrick Powell/Kayvon Britten/Lan Larison combined rushing yards
-SDSU defensive PPG
-Between Montana/Montana State/NDSU/SDSU, how many will join the Mountain West within the next 3 years?
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Jay Elsen of Midco Sports to preview the upcoming South Dakota football season.
The two discuss:
-the difference between last offseason and this offseason for USD football
-Offensive talent returning
-Aidan Bouman's progression
-Defensive question marks and names to step up
-USD's portal additions
-Overall roster talent improvement
-2024 expectations
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Brian Marceau, host of Tubs at the Club, to chat Idaho football.
The two discuss:
-Excitement around Idaho football
-Jason Eck
-Jack Layne at QB
-Offensive weapons
-OL progression
-Strength of the defense
-2024 expectations
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Stone Labanowitz, former SIU QB and current co-host of FCS Nation Radio
The two discuss:
-Mark Gronowski staying at SDSU
-Analysis of Cam Miller, Cole Gonzales, and Tommy Mellott
-Under-the-radar QBs
-Transfer portal regrets
-Frisco experience
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Ed Benkin to preview the upcoming Villanova football season.

The two discuss:
-Nova's run to the quarterfinals last year
-Year-to-year inconsistencies
-QB Connor Watkins
-Nova's defensive potential
-Villanova and the CAA
-Battle of the Blue future
-Villanova football following
-And more

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by CAA writer Daniel Steenkamer to preview UAlbany.
The two discuss:
-UAlbany's rise last year
-The departures and transfer additions
-QB battle
-Defense rebuilding
-Recruiting
-2024 schedule thoughts
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit herosports.com for FCS coverage and sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by NDSU radio play-by-play announcer Sam Neidermann
The two discuss:
-the energy around NDSU football this offseason
-new head coach Tim Polasek
-Eli Green entering the portal
-NDSU's offense
-Can the defense elevate its play?
-Colorado matchup
-NDSU's national title chances
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Montana football analyst Colter Nuanez.
The two discuss:
-Montana fandom at a fever pitch after the national title game appearance 
-Bobby Hauck's contract
-Biggest question for the 2024 Montana football team
-Starting QB situation
-How good can the offense be?
-How the defense looks to reload
-Impact transfers
-Will Montana take another step toward winning a national title?
-And more
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by South Dakota State beat writer Matt Zimmer.
The two discuss:
-Mark Gronowski returning?
-Biggest questions for SDSU in 2024
-Who are the new weapons on offense?
-How good can the defense be?
-New offensive coordinator
-SDSU's NIL collective
-SDSU's chances at a 3-peat
-And more

The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Missouri Valley Football Conference commissioner Patty Viverito.
The two discuss:
-MVFC's new multimedia deal that will include national TV
-push to seed more teams in the 24-team FCS playoff bracket
-FCS Oversight Committee and its top discussion points
-transfer portal
-future of D1 football and where the MVFC fits in
-potential employee model in college athletics
-what she's most optimistic about for the future of the MVFC

On this episode, Sam records a podcast in Indianapolis alongside HERO Sports’ G5 national writer Colton Pool.
The two are in Indy for the NFL Combine. And they hit record to BS about the combine, what covering the G5 is like compared to the FCS, the similarities of the G5 and the FCS, if NDSU will ever get an FBS invite, the future of the CFP, will the G5/top-of-FCS merger ever happen, college athlete employment, and more.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam is joined by HERO Sports contributor Daniel Steenkamer to discuss Delaware's decision to move to the FBS.
They discuss what went into the decision, if Delaware's view toward CUSA changed, how the CAA's membership movement impacted the decision, how Delaware fans feel about the move, and more.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam sits down with Stephen F. Austin Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. He is the co-chair of a working group made up of administrators from the FCS and Division I-AAA to help “redefine and actualize their distinctive role and value within Division I athletics and to chart a path for the future.”
Sam and Ryan discuss:
-the goal of this working group
-how mid-majors want to fit into the future D1 landscape
-what an employee model in D1 sports would mean for mid-majors
-the importance of access to championships for mid-majors
-restructuring of D1 football
-the future of the FCS
-the future of the United Athletic Conference
-plus more topics

On this episode, Sam recaps a fun weekend in Frisco, discussing the scene, atmosphere, and the championship game.
Also, where does this SDSU team rank among all-time FCS teams? Will the transfer portal impact SDSU and Montana? And how do the 2024 SDSU and Montana teams look?
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam previews the FCS championship with SDSU reporter Matt Zimmer and Montana reporter Colter Nuanez.
(16:20) Matt Zimmer discusses the energy around SDSU’s football program and the team’s path to another national championship game.
(54:35) Colter Nuanez talks about how Montana turned around its season and how much buzz around the state there is for the Griz.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam breaks down the semifinal results.
SDSU destroyed UAlbany 59-0 as the scene in Brookings was more entertaining than the game. And in an instant classic, Montana beat NDSU 31-29 in double overtime.
That sets up what will be an epic environment for the championship game in Frisco, Texas.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam looks back at the FCS quarterfinal games and looks ahead to the semifinal matchups. He also touches on the news of Matt Entz leaving NDSU after this season and where the Bison go from here.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam previews the FCS quarterfinal games, looking at the matchups, some statistics, and the keys to victory.
The predictions article can be read here.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam recaps the second round of the FCS playoffs.
SDSU and Montana looked the part of Top 2 seeds. CAA members UAlbany and Villanova dominated. South Dakota and Furman got convincing wins. And NDSU and Idaho won overtime thrillers.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.

On this episode, Sam reacts to Delaware moving to the FBS. He dives into what type of impact this has on the FCS, attempting to balance this move hurting the FCS and that the FCS is getting watered down while still trying to calm the “FCS is going to die” online freakouts.
The second half of the pod then previews what should be an excellent second round of FCS playoff action.
The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.