FCS Nation

Stone was joined this week by Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler, who proudly represents Montana State in the nationwide fight to raise money and awareness for children and families battling cancer on behalf of Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, along with Devin Coyle, District Director for Northwestern Mutual in Bozeman, Montana, for a special Honorary Captain of the Week episode of FCS Nation Radio.A Billings, Montana native and one of the most dynamic all-around players in the FCS, Dowler joins the show just days before stepping onto the biggest stage in the subdivision, as Montana State prepares to compete for the FCS National Championship on Monday, January 5 in Nashville. The conversation centers on his journey from Billings to Bozeman, the growth that comes with becoming a leader, and the responsibility of representing both his program and a cause bigger than football.Dowler reflects on how his role has evolved within Montana State’s offense, what leadership truly looks like inside a championship locker room, and how accountability, preparation, and belief have shaped this Bobcats team throughout the season. We dive into the depth and chemistry of the wide receiver room, the importance of embracing different skill sets, and why this group has taken a collective step forward at the right time.Devin Coyle provides insight into the local impact behind the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation Radio x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, explaining what it means for the Bozeman community to rally around Taco as an Honorary Captain. He discusses Northwestern Mutual’s long-standing commitment to fighting childhood cancer and how local leadership helps turn fan support into meaningful, nationwide impact.The episode also explores why Taco was selected as an Honorary Captain of the Week, how he’s using his platform to support kids and families across the country facing cancer, and why this mission carries added weight as he prepares for a national championship opportunity.An episode about leadership, purpose, and playing for something greater, on the field and beyond it.Follow the championship journey and behind-the-scenes coverage from Nashville at @FCSNationRadio1 and @labanowitzstone.

The FCS National Championship has finally arrived, and FCS Nation Radio is on the ground in Nashville to preview the biggest night of the season. Stone and Kevin take a deep dive into how Illinois State and Montana State navigated one of the most unpredictable playoff paths in recent memory, starting with a breakdown of the semifinal matchups and the defining moments that punched each team’s ticket to the title game.We examine Illinois State’s improbable postseason run, a team that refused to listen to projections, won four straight road games, and found its best football when the margin for error was razor thin. From the Redbirds’ offensive playmakers stepping up in clutch moments to a defense that transformed week by week, we discuss how belief, balance, and timely execution have carried them to the brink of a championship.On the other side, Montana State arrives with championship expectations and unfinished business. We analyze how the Bobcats evolved over the course of the season, why their offensive rhythm has hit another level down the stretch, and how a physical, opportunistic defense has consistently flipped games in their favor. From quarterback play to the run game to the impact of defensive stars, we break down what makes Montana State so difficult to slow down, and where pressure could still show up under the bright lights.Stone and Kevin go position by position, highlight the key matchups that could swing the outcome, and discuss which team controls the pace, the turnover battle, and the emotional edge in a championship environment. We also talk legacy, urgency, and what a national title would mean for two programs that have waited, and suffered, to get back to this stage.We wrap the episode with our official picks and final score predictions as kickoff approaches.The boys are live in Nashville all week, follow the journey, the analysis, and the championship coverage at @fcsnationradio1 and @labanowitzstone.

This week’s Honorary Captain of the Week is Jamal Mull, offensive lineman for Central Arkansas and one of the most impressive voices we’ve had on the show, on and off the field. An NFL-caliber talent, Jamal is preparing to move to Dallas ahead of the NFL Draft, but before taking that next step, he’s using his platform to fight for something bigger than football.In this episode, Jamal joins us to talk about his journey with the Bears, competing in the Dream Bowl on January 11, and why giving back matters to him as a student-athlete. Representing Northwestern Mutual in partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Jamal is raising funds and awareness for children battling childhood cancer as part of A Season With Purpose.You’ll also hear from Demi Mathis, Business Development Officer, as we dive into the impact of the Northwestern Mutual internship program and why Jamal was the obvious choice to represent Central Arkansas as an Honorary Captain this season.💛 Donations close January 4, and it truly only takes a little effort to make a big difference. 🔗 Donate here: https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/central-arkansas-x-meeks-network-office 💰 Amount raised so far: $128,409This is more than football. It’s leadership, purpose, and using the spotlight to change lives. Tune in and do your part.

This week, FCS Nation welcomes Julian Fox, linebacker for the Mercer Bears, as our Honorary Captain of the Week! Julian joins John David Miller, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual’s Macon (Goodwin-Wright Network Office), to discuss the impact of the Northwestern Mutual x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, an initiative raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer.From sharing his personal journey on and off the field to highlighting Mercer’s role in this nationwide effort, Julian shows how FCS athletes can stand for something bigger than the game. Learn how Northwestern Mutual supports youth, families facing adversity, and some of the nation’s best internship opportunities while empowering athletes to make a real difference.Bears fans, it’s your turn to step up! Donations to the challenge are open now and will close January 4, let’s help Julian, Mercer, and the entire FCS community make a lasting impact for kids in need. AMOUNT RAISED: $4,304Tune in for stories, stats, and the heart behind the jersey. https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/goodwin-wright-network-office-x-mercer-university

This week’s episode is all about championship momentum and semifinal stakes in the FCS.We open with a full playoff replay, breaking down a dominant weekend across the bracket. Montana State powered past Stephen F. Austin behind a physical, fast-paced attack, while Montana overwhelmed South Dakota to set up a long-awaited rivalry clash with everything on the line. Villanova continued its postseason surge by knocking off Tarleton State with a resilient, come-from-behind performance, and Illinois State proved its road toughness with an impressive win at UC Davis. We also recap an instant classic in the CELEBRATION BOWL, where South Carolina State completed a historic comeback over Prairie View A&M in a four-overtime thriller.Thanks to GAMESTRAT, we move on to the semifinal preview, starting with one of the biggest games the subdivision can offer: Montana vs. Montana State, with rivalry, style contrast, and a trip to the title game at stake. We also break down Illinois State at Villanova, a matchup featuring two teams peaking at the right time with very different paths to the semifinals.We wrap things up with Alex’s Honorary Captain of the Week Segment and close with our official picks for both semifinal games.It’s wall-to-wall FCS playoff talk. Results, storylines, strategy, and what to watch as championship weekend approaches.

Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse joins the podcast fresh off one of the most shocking wins in FCS playoff history, a 29–28 road upset of No. 1 North Dakota State in the Fargodome.Despite throwing five interceptions, Rittenhouse delivered when it mattered most, leading two late touchdown drives and completing the bold game-winning two-point conversion to silence one of the toughest environments in college football.In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the week of preparation, the calm he felt in the middle of chaos, and the mindset behind the phrase, “You can’t score 14 in one drive.” He talks about trusting his teammates, embracing the scramble drill, and why there was no hesitation when it came time to go for two.Tommy also reflects on his five-year journey at Illinois State, the influence of head coach Brock Spack, the bond inside the Redbirds locker room, and how Johnny Cash helps fuel his edge on game day.Now quarterfinal bound, Rittenhouse looks ahead to the rematch out west at UC Davis, carrying belief, composure, and a team built for the moment.

The bracket is shrinking, the drama is rising, and the road to the national championship just got a whole lot wilder.This week, we rewind an unforgettable Second Round! Upsets, blowouts, thrillers, and statement wins across the board. Illinois State stunned the nation with a one-point takedown of top-seeded North Dakota State. Montana State held off Yale to keep their title hopes alive. Montana put on an offensive show against South Dakota State, and Tarleton State powered their way into the quarterfinals. Villanova pulled off a gritty win at Lehigh, South Dakota pitched a dominant shutout over Mercer, SFA survived a shootout with ACU, and UC Davis rolled past Rhode Island to round out the final eight.We break it all down, hit the key moments powered by GameStrat, and look ahead to the quarterfinal matchups: • SFA at Montana State • Villanova at Tarleton State • South Dakota at Montana • Illinois State at UC Davis Plus, a look at the Celebration Bowl between South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M.And in Segment 4, Michael Barker of CFB Campus Tour joins the show to prove once again that he is, in fact, a lovable college-football-obsessed madman.Another week. Another round. Another episode where the margins are razor thin and the stakes are sky high.This is FCS Nation Radio, where every game matters.

Segment 1 – First Round RecapRecap of the key FCS first-round matchups and standout performances.Segment 2 – Ivy League SpotlightTom Barton joins to break down Yale’s thrilling 43-42 win over Youngstown State and the implications for the playoffs.Segment 3 – FCS Second Round PreviewIllinois State @ #1 North Dakota StateYale @ #2 Montana State#14 South Dakota State @ #3 MontanaUND @ #4 Tarleton State#12 Villanova @ #5 Lehigh#11 South Dakota @ #6 Mercer#10 Abilene Christian @ #7 SFA#9 Rhode Island @ #8 UC DavisSegment 4 – Honorary Captain of the WeekSouth Dakota State quarterback Chase Mason joins as this week’s Honorary Captain, sharing his perspective on the playoffs and community impact.Segment 5 – Second Round PicksIllinois State @ #1 North Dakota StateYale @ #2 Montana State#14 South Dakota State @ #3 MontanaUND @ #4 Tarleton State#12 Villanova @ #5 Lehigh#11 South Dakota @ #6 Mercer#10 Abilene Christian @ #7 SFA#9 Rhode Island @ #8 UC Davis

Stone Labanowitz sits down with South Dakota State Jackrabbits quarterback Chase Mason and Jess Jasso, Chief Development Officer at Northwestern Mutual in Sioux Falls, for an inside look at this year’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation x Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation Radio Challenge.In this episode, they discuss Chase’s journey back from injury, last week’s dominant win over New Hampshire, and the Jackrabbits’ upcoming matchup in Missoula against the Montana Grizzlies. Chase also shares his personal fundraising efforts, he’s raised $32,057 so far toward the team’s total of $107,945, and what it means to compete both on the field and for a cause that impacts kids battling cancer nationwide.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, teamwork, and how FCS athletes are using their platform to make a real difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

In this episode, we break down the newly released FCS playoff bracket from top to bottom, starting with the full reveal of seeds 1 through 16. We react to the committee’s seeding decisions, highlight a few surprises, and dive into every first-round matchup, including:Illinois State at #16 Southeastern Louisiana (winner to #1 NDSU)Yale at #15 Youngstown State (winner to #2 Montana State)New Hampshire at #14 South Dakota State (winner to #3 Montana)North Dakota at #13 Tennessee Tech (winner to #4 Tarleton State)Harvard at #12 Villanova (winner to #5 Lehigh)Drake at #11 South Dakota (winner to #6 Mercer)Lamar at #10 Abilene Christian (winner to #7 Stephen F. Austin)CCSU at #9 Rhode Island (winner to #8 UC Davis)We also bring you our Player of the Week and unveil our final regular-season Top 25.Then it’s full-scale analysis as we preview every first-round matchup, breaking down key players, potential upsets, and which teams have the clearest path to the seeded powers waiting in round two.ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND THANKSGIVING UPDATE! followed by our full slate of game picks as we lock in predictions for all eight opening-round battles.If you’re ready for bracket talk, matchup insight, and playoff-level energy, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we break down another wild weekend across the subdivision as the playoff picture sharpens.We open with a full recap of the biggest results: #1 North Dakota State stays unbeaten after rolling UNI, Montana and Montana State dominate to set up another massive Brawl of the Wild, Kentucky State shocks #4 Tennessee Tech, Lehigh moves to 11–0, Harvard survives Penn, and chaos hits the Valley with Illinois State, South Dakota, and Stephen F. Austin all grabbing key wins.Then we hand out our Players of the Week and reset the Top 25, highlighting who’s rising, who’s fading, and who still controls their postseason destiny.After that, it’s time to preview a monster slate: St. Thomas at #1 NDSU, #3 Montana State at #2 Montana in the national game of the week, #4 Tennessee Tech at UT Martin, #5 Lehigh at Lafayette, #6 Mercer stepping up to face Auburn, Harvard–Yale, SDSU–UND, ACU–UCA, and more.We open the lines for the Mailbag Segment, where FCS fans ask everything on their minds about playoff paths, seeding chaos, bubble teams, and auto-bid scenarios ... and Kevin gives you the unfiltered truth.Finally, we close with our weekly picks, breaking down every major matchup on the board and calling our shots for a critical November weekend.

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we break down a wild slate across the subdivision as rivalry energy, playoff stakes, and conference titles collide.We kick things off with a full recap of the weekend’s biggest results: North Dakota State’s gritty win over UND to claim the Valley crown, Montana surviving a late push from Eastern Washington, Montana State hanging 66 on Weber State, Tennessee Tech staying hot, New Hampshire shocking Monmouth, Lehigh rolling to its 10th straight, and Mercer edging Western Carolina in a shootout. Plus, South Dakota stuns SDSU in another Top-25 shakeup.We hand out our Players of the Week, check in on the latest Top 25, and roll into a loaded preview slate featuring UNI’s trip to the No. 1 Bison, Montana on the road at Portland State, UC Davis battling Montana State, Tennessee Tech stepping up to Kentucky, Lehigh at Colgate, Penn–Harvard, Mercer hosting Chattanooga, and a long list of games with postseason implications across the board.Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation takes center stage with North Dakota State's Donovan Woolen and Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor and College Unit Director Noah Sanders as we continue our mission-driven segment highlighting the athletes and families pushing for change.And finally, we close the show with our picks for all the biggest matchups of the week as the playoff picture tightens.Another can’t-miss episode as we head down the stretch in the FCS. Tune in!

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re headed to Fargo, home of champions, as North Dakota State linebacker Donovan Woolen joins Stone Labanowitz as our Honorary Captain of the Week in the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge.Alongside Donovan is Noah Sanders, Financial Advisor and College Unit Director in the Fargo office of Northwestern Mutual. They both share what it means to wear the Bison jersey, and how it's a symbol of toughness, tradition, and brotherhood, and how they're channeling that same strength into the fight against childhood cancer.From his journey in the NDSU locker room to his passion for giving back, Donovan opens up about leadership, faith, and finding purpose beyond the field. Together, he and Noah reflect on the impact this partnership can make, reminding us that while football builds competitors, causes like this build character.👉 Tune in to hear Donovan’s story, get updates from across the FCS, and find out how you can help Team Fargo raise funds and awareness for kids and families through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.Learn more and donate at FCSNationRadio.com and AlexsLemonade.org/2025/noah-sanders-network-office-x-north-dakota-state-bison.

Another wild week in the FCS delivered shakeups, upsets, and statement wins, and we’re breaking it all down.In Segment 1, we recap the biggest results from Week 10, including NDSU’s 38-30 win over Youngstown State, Montana’s continued dominance, Mercer’s statement win against Furman, and Indiana State’s stunning upset of South Dakota State.Segment 2 spotlights this week’s Players of the Week and runs through the latest Top 25 rankings, who’s rising, who’s falling, and who’s holding strong.Then in Segment 3, we look ahead to Week 11’s can’t-miss matchups, from #1 North Dakota State’s trip to #9 North Dakota to Mercer’s showdown with Western Carolina and a heated South Dakota rivalry game.Segment 4 brings Alex’s “El Cid” segment, always unpredictable, always entertaining. 🍋Bradlee Jones x The Citadel x Coastal South Carolina Districthttps://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/the-citadel-x-worrell-network-officeAnd finally, in Segment 5, we make our official picks for all the Top 15 matchups.It’s November football, where contenders separate from pretenders. Let’s get into it.

🍋 HONORARY CAPTAIN OF THE WEEK: Bradlee Jones, Defensive Back, THE Citadel Bulldogs 🍋On this episode of FCS Nation, Kevin Marshall sits down with Bradlee Jones, standout defensive back for THE Citadel Bulldogs and this week’s Honorary Captain of the 2025 Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge.Joined by Richard Worrell, Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual, Bradlee shares what it means to represent THE Citadel, a program built on discipline, leadership, and heart, both on and off the field.From blocking kicks and breaking up passes to inspiring others through purpose-driven work, Bradlee’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back. He opens up about his journey, the importance of team culture, and how the fight against childhood cancer connects to something bigger than football.👉 Tune in to hear Bradlee’s story, learn how you can support his mission this season, and help him and Richard compete for this year’s Lemon Trophy.Learn more and donate at FCSNationRadio.com and AlexsLemonade.org/2025/richard-worrell-network-office-x-the-citadel-bulldogs.

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re joined by Furman Tight End and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Honorary Captain of the Week, Jackson Pryor, who’s playing this season with purpose. Jackson sits down with us to talk all things Paladins football, from Furman’s playoff push to life on and off the field and shares the powerful story behind dedicating his 2025 season to raising awareness for childhood cancer.As part of the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, Jackson represents what this movement is all about: using the platform of college football to make a difference far beyond the game.Tune in for Jackson’s inspiring perspective, updates from around the FCS, and a reminder of why every yard gained this season is for something bigger, for Alex, for the kids.

It’s rivalry week and there’s no bigger stage than the Dakota Marker. This week on FCS Nation Radio, we break down everything from a wild Week 8 to the biggest matchups ahead in Week 9.In Segment 1, we recap the top headlines across the country:#1 North Dakota State’s dominant second half over Indiana State#2 South Dakota State pulls away from Murray State on the road#3 Montana keeps rolling behind Ah Yat’s air raid against Sacred Heart#5 Tarleton State crushes West Georgia in a statement win#6 North Dakota pounds Southern Illinois 38–19, solidifying their place among the elitePlus, statement victories for Tennessee Tech, Youngstown State, and Southern UtahIn Segment 2, we crown our Players of the Week and dive into the latest Top 25 shakeups after a weekend full of upsets and breakout performances.In Segment 3, we look ahead to the biggest games of Week 9:#1 NDSU at #2 SDSU, the Dakota Marker rematch everyone’s been waiting for#3 Montana at Sacramento StateIndiana State at #4 North Dakota#5 Montana State at Cal PolyPlus key conference matchups across the country, including Mercer, Jackson State, and Villanova in actionIn Segment 4, Stone and Kevin go head-to-head in their Week 9 Picks — who holds the Dakota Marker, which ranked teams are on upset alert, and which programs are trending up heading into November.And in Segment 5, we close the show with our Honorary Captain of the Week, Kaden Vig of #4 North Dakota, a true culture-changer representing the Fighting Hawks in the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge. Kaden shares how UND is staying locked in after a huge win over Southern Illinois and how he’s using his platform to raise awareness for kids battling cancer.It’s FCS football with heart, purpose, and passion. 🍋🏈Follow the Challenge: @FCSNationRadio1

This week on the FCS Nation x Northwestern Mutual x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, we’re spotlighting one of the top defensive forces, and culture-setters in the country: Kaden Vig, edge rusher for the No. 4 North Dakota Fighting Hawks.Fresh off a dominant win over Stone’s alma mater, Southern Illinois, Kaden joins us to talk about what’s driving UND’s rise, how the team’s identity has evolved under Head Coach Eric Schmidt, and what it means to represent the program in this season’s Challenge.More than just an athlete, Kaden embodies what this partnership is all about, purpose, leadership, and using your platform for something bigger. As UND prepares to take on Indiana State this week, Kaden shares insight into the team’s mindset, his approach to leadership, and why standing for kids battling childhood cancer through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation gives every snap a deeper meaning.Tune in, get inspired, and help us turn FCS fandom into impact. 🍋💪Follow the Challenge: @FCSNationRadio1

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we spotlight a leader on and off the field, Villanova running back David Avit, joined by Grant Price, Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual’s Radnor Network Office, as part of our Honorary Captain of the Week series presented by Northwestern Mutual x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.https://villanova.com/sports/football/roster/david-avit/15238Together, we dive into the mission behind A Season With Purpose, a nationwide initiative uniting FCS athletes and local Northwestern Mutual offices to raise awareness and funds in the fight against childhood cancer. Avit shares what it means to represent Villanova not just in the backfield but in his community, while Price talks about why this partnership between Northwestern Mutual, FCS Nation, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation continues to grow year after year.From building purpose through football to giving back through passion, this episode shines a light on the heart behind the helmet, and the powerful impact of teamwork beyond the game.💛 For Alex. For the Kids. For the FCS. https://www.fcsnationradio.com/alex-s-lemonade-standTune in and join the movement. https://www.alexslemonade.org/affiliation/northwestern-mutual-fcs-nation-2025

Week 8 brought fireworks across the FCS, and the top teams made big statements. North Dakota State forced turnovers early and often in a 45–17 rout of Southern Illinois, while South Dakota State’s defense put on a Hobo Day masterclass, holding UNI to just a field goal. Montana’s second-half surge kept the Griz rolling past Cal Poly, and Tarleton State’s James Paige went off in a 41–23 win over Utah Tech. (Presented by GameStrat)Montana State looked every bit the contender with a 48–14 blowout of Idaho State, Tennessee Tech stayed hot with a win over Charleston Southern, and North Dakota handled Youngstown State to stay in the top 10 mix. UC Davis, ACU, and Mercer also impressed with statement victories in the national top-25 landscape.This week’s show breaks it all down, the plays, the power shifts, and the players of the week. Then, we look ahead to another loaded slate featuring NDSU at Indiana State, SDSU at Murray State, Sacred Heart visiting Montana, and more as playoff races start to heat up🍋 Alex’s Lemonade Stand Honorary Captain of the Week & Villanova RunningBack David Avit and Managing Director Northwestern Mutual Radnor Network Office Grant Price join the show to preach the WILDCAT gospel! Official Week 8 picks -- CHALK WILL PREVAIL ‼️📻 Tune in — it’s FCS Nation Radio, where the FCS speaks!