FCS Nation

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!

The best stay the best, and you know who they are.This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re diving headfirst into another stacked weekend of FCS football. From the Dakota Dome to the desert, it’s all gas, no brakes.SEG 1 – Recap: We break down another wild weekend where the rich got richer. North Dakota State took care of business on the road, South Dakota State showed championship grit, and Montana needed every bit of late-game magic to stay perfect. Plus, Tarleton State and Tennessee Tech keep proving they belong in the national conversation.SEG 2 – Players of the Week & Top 25: Who stood out? Who’s moving up? We spotlight the players lighting up box scores and reshuffle the national picture heading into a massive Week 7.SEG 3 – Week 7 Preview: This is where it gets good. 🔹 #6 SIU @ #1 NDSU – The heavyweight battle in Fargo. 🔹 #21 Youngstown State @ #9 North Dakota – Penguin power meets Dakota dominance. 🔹 #15 Northern Arizona @ #14 UC Davis – Two programs with everything to gain in a Top 15 showdown. Plus, we break down every Top 25 matchup — from the Paladins, Bears, and Jacks to those making noise out West.SEG 5 – Picks: The picks segment stays hotter than ever. 🔥 Will the top dogs hold serve? Or is an upset brewing in the plains? We’re making our calls on every big matchup — and you’ll want to hear where we stand.

This week’s Honorary Captain of the Week is Illinois State wide receiver Eddie Kasper (#8), a bright spot on a top 10 Redbirds team and now, a powerful voice in the fight against childhood cancer. 🍋Through the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, Eddie is dedicating his season to kids across the country battling cancer, raising funds and awareness through his play, his platform, and his heart.In this episode, Eddie takes us inside Redbird Nation as the team gears up to face Murray State, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what a week of preparation really looks like. From catching passes from one of the best QBs in the nation, Tommy Rittenhouse, to representing his community with pride, Eddie embodies what this challenge is all about: impact beyond the field.We’re joined by Ryan Kramer, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual’s Kramer Network Office in Chicagoland, whose leadership and passion for the Redbirds have helped bring this initiative to life locally. Together, Eddie and Ryan are rallying the Normal community to take a stand, not just for their team, but for kids and families who need hope the most.💛 100% of funds raised go directly to the Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Research Fund and Family Travel Fund, in partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization born from the courage of 4-year-old Alex Scott, who turned her own fight with cancer into a movement that’s raised more than $250 million to date.🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and join the movement. Because this season isn’t just about football, it’s about fighting for something bigger.🔗 Support Eddie’s campaign: alexslemonade.org/2025/illinois-state-x-kramer-network-office 👤 Connect with Ryan Kramer: LinkedIn 🏈 Follow Eddie: Twitter: @eddiekasper13 Instagram: @eddie.kasper1

This one is special. The Great Dane Cam Stodghill not only causes problems for opposing offenses, but he does for the other 28 athletes competing for the Lemon Trophy. This initiative hits a little closer to home for him, and it does for his running mate Alessandro Tronco, Managing Partner in the Tronco Network Office up there in Albany New York! Both of these two take the stage to highlight what it is that made Cam an honorary Captain this season and why it is he dedicated his season to the cause and the fight! To donate to Cam and his representing Northwestern Mutual Office, visit FCSNATIONRADIO.COM and visit the dedicated wing to the site that our list of athletes lives on. DONATE TODAY: Cam Stodghill Tackles a New Challenge: Fundraising for Childhood Cancer | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Conference play is here and the stakes just got real. From North Dakota State rolling into Illinois State to South Dakota State’s trip to Youngstown, Montana heading to Idaho State, and a massive showdown between Yale and Lehigh, conference games galore are on deck.This week, Kevin and Stone recap a wild Week 5, break down the Players of the Week, and dive deep into the biggest previews across the FCS Top 25. Will the top dogs get tested as league play heats up, or will the heavyweights keep cruising?

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re talking all things Ivy League football with none other than Tom Barton, the Ivy League correspondent you need to know. Tom breaks down the league as we head into Week 6 of the FCS season: why he’s high on Harvard, why Dartmouth is a real contender this year, and why he’s not quite buying Yale the way Kevin is.We also dive into the groundbreaking news that the Ivy League will be in the FCS playoffs for the first time ever. Tom explains how it all came about, why the Council of Presidents finally pulled the trigger, and what it means for the future of the league.Tom isn’t just a guest — he’s a legend in the sports world. With decades of experience as a radio host, sports analyst, and one of the most respected voices in handicapping, he brings unmatched insight and energy to every conversation.Follow him on Twitter/X: @TomBartonSportsBecause when it comes to the Ivy League, nobody breaks it down better!

🍋 HONORARY CAPTAIN OF THE WEEK: Noah Bennee, Tight End, Weber State University 🍋On FCS Nation, Stone Labanowitz sits down with Weber State tight end Noah Bennee, our latest Honorary Captain of the Week, as part of the 2025 Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge.Joined by Sawyere Monson, Managing Director of the Grabner Network Office of Northwestern Mutual in Northern Utah, Noah opens up about his journey on and off the field, and why this year’s challenge carries such personal meaning. Both Noah and Sawyere share powerful stories about how cancer has touched their families, and how those experiences fuel their determination to give back and raise awareness.From leadership on the field to making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer, Noah is more than just a standout athlete, he’s a voice for hope and purpose.👉 Tune in to hear Noah’s story, learn how you can support his season-long mission, and help him and Sawyere compete for this year’s Lemon Trophy.Learn more and donate at FCSNationRadio.com & https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/grabner-network-office-x-weber-state-university

This week on FCS Nation, Stone Labanowitz sits down with Southern Illinois’ starting quarterback, DJ Williams, for an inside look at the Salukis’ 3-1 start and the leader behind it.DJ’s journey from Harvey, Illinois, to becoming the face of SIU football is one built on resilience, adversity, and a chip on his shoulder that fuels his game. In this conversation, he opens up about:Overcoming hand surgery and proving doubters wrongPlaying under head coach Nick HillLeading Southern Illinois in their push to dominate the Missouri Valley ConferenceWhy this year’s Salukis are built to contendGet to know the competitor and the person behind the facemask as DJ shares his story, mindset, and what drives him to be one of the subdivision’s top quarterbacks.

It was a wild week in FCS football, and we’ve got you covered from top to bottom. Kevin & Stone break down big-time wins and upsets, highlights standout players, and looks ahead to a stacked slate of matchups.In this episode:Recap: #3 Montana State shuts out Mercyhurst, #4 Tarleton State stays perfect, #5 Montana rolls Indiana State, #7 Illinois State survives in double OT, #8 SIU takes back the Wheel, Monmouth stuns #9 Villanova, ACU takes down #10 Austin Peay, and NAU edges UIW.Players of the Week & Top 25 RundownGame Previews: #14 USD at #1 NDSU, Mercyhurst at #2 SDSU, #6 Idaho at #4 Montana, EWU at #5 MSU, ACU at UIW, TTU at Tennessee State, and more key matchups.PICKS SEGMENT 💰🤑

This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into the biggest stories from FCS football. In Segment 1, we recap all the action, from dominant blowouts like #2 South Dakota State’s 37-21 win over Drake to last-second thrillers like Montana’s 24-23 upset of #11 North Dakota.In Segment 2, we highlight the Player of the Week and the latest Top 25 rankings, breaking down who’s rising and who’s falling.Segment 3 previews the biggest upcoming matchups, including top-ranked MSU hosting Mercyhurst, Tarleton State taking on Chattanooga, and Idaho challenging FBS foe San Jose State.In Segment 5 we wrap up with our expert picks for all the key FCS games you don’t want to miss. 💰Whether you’re a diehard FCS fan or just catching up on the week’s chaos, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead of the action.

Presbyterian football is off to a historic 3-0 start, and at the center of it all is quarterback Collin Hurst. From rallying the Blue Hose back from a 21-point deficit in an overtime thriller against Furman to slinging touchdowns all over the field, Hurst has quickly established himself as the leader of this undefeated squad.In this episode, Collin opens up about his resiliency coming out of high school, the trust he’s built with head coach Steve Englehart, and the bond he shares with his teammates. We also dive into how he’s learned to live fully in the N.O.W. -- a mindset that’s fueling both his play and Presbyterian’s remarkable start.If you want a closer look at the quarterback driving one of the most exciting storylines in FCS football, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

This week’s episode takes us to Carbondale, where Southern Illinois linebacker Chris Presto has quickly become more than just a defensive leader for the Salukis, he’s stepped into a much bigger role as our latest Honorary Captain of the Week in the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge. Presto opens up about why the fight against childhood cancer is deeply personal, how every dollar raised can change a family’s story, and why this season’s challenge is about far more than football.Joining the conversation is Jenna Distler, Director of Campus Selection for the Gross Network Office of Northwestern Mutual, who has played an essential role in connecting Chris with this opportunity and helping him set the foundation to make a serious run at the 2025-2026 Lemon Trophy. Together, they talk about what it means to take on this challenge, the power of rallying an entire community behind a cause, and how Carbondale can step up to support Chris as he leads the charge both on and off the field.At the end of the day, Presto reminds us that while football teaches resilience, the real battles are being fought by kids and families facing childhood cancer every single day — and that’s the team he’s proud to suit up for.🍋 Want to help Chris in the fight? It’s simple: snap a pic with a lemon on your head, tag Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Northwestern Mutual, and use the hashtags #GoDawgs and #LemonTopChallenge. Each post triggers a $10 donation from Northwestern Mutual directly in Chris’s name.

🎙️ This Week on FCS Nation RadioWe’ve got a jam-packed show recapping all the action from Week 2 in the FCS.Segment 1 (10 min) – We start with the biggest storylines: Bryant and LIU both notch stunning FBS upsets, while North Dakota State and South Dakota State roll in very different ways. The Jacks’ double-overtime thriller over Montana State could already be the game of the year. We’ll also hit on Tarleton’s dominance, Idaho’s close call, Lamar shocking South Dakota, and more. (Replay segment brought to you by GameStrat.)Segment 2 (7 min) – Players of the Week and a fresh look at the FCS Top 25.Segment 3 (15 min) – Preview time. Here’s what’s ahead in Week 3:SEMO @ #1 North Dakota StateDrake @ #2 South Dakota StateSan Diego @ #3 Montana State#4 Tarleton State @ Central ArkansasUtah Tech @ #5 Idaho#11 North Dakota @ #6 Montana#7 Illinois State @ Eastern Illinois#8 Villanova @ #2 FBS Penn State#9 Rhode Island @ Holy Cross#10 Southern Illinois @ #21 UT MartinMorehead State @ #12 Austin Peay#13 Lamar @ Texas SouthernNorthern Colorado @ #14 South Dakota#18 ETSU @ #22 West GeorgiaThe Citadel @ #20 Gardner-WebbSegment 4 (8 min) – Picks! We run through the board, giving our takes on the biggest games of the weekend.

This week on FCS Nation Radio, Richmond Spiders defensive lineman TJ Baldwin joins us ahead of the Spiders’ matchup with Wofford on Saturday, September 6 at 6 PM ET.In this candid conversation, TJ opens up about life after injury, his role as a leader for Richmond, and what it means to return as an Honorary Captain for the second year in the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, a nationwide effort that has already raised over $100,000 to fight childhood cancer.TJ also shares how his teammates are getting involved off the field, including their connection with the Northwestern Mutual Virginia Group internship program. Joining him in the Honorary Captain lineup this season is Jordan Stevenson, Financial Advisor and Development Officer with the Virginia office. Together, they’re helping bridge the gap between football, community, and a mission much bigger than the game.From the brotherhood inside the Richmond locker room to his passion for making an impact off the field, TJ reminds us that football is about more than wins and losses, it’s about purpose, leadership, and giving back. FCSNATIONRADIO.COM

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season is officially in the books, and what a start it was. We kick things off recapping two big FBS scalps: Tarleton State’s dramatic 2OT upset of Army and Austin Peay’s win over Middle Tennessee. We also break down statement performances from the FCS powers, including North Dakota State’s shutout at The Citadel, South Dakota State’s defensive showcase against Sacramento State, and how Montana State and South Dakota fared in tough FBS matchups.From there, we walk through the brand-new Top 25 poll, school by school, highlighting who rose, who fell, and why. Then it’s on to previews of the week ahead, with marquee matchups like #2 South Dakota State at #3 Montana State and #1 North Dakota State at Tennessee State headlining the slate.This week’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand Honorary Captain is Richmond’s TJ Baldwin, joined by Northwestern Mutual’s Jordan Stevenson, who share their thoughts on season three of The Challenge.We close things out with our weekly picks, breaking down the biggest games, key matchups, and where we see the early-season momentum swinging.

South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman is back on the mic with us, and back for one more season in Vermillion. Bouman, who’s been part of this Challenge since it launched in 2023, joins Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner Chris Schenkel to talk about leadership, legacy, and using his platform for something bigger than football.Since stepping on the field for the Coyotes, Bouman has etched his name into the record book:6,402 career passing yards (3rd in USD history)481 completions (4th)42 touchdowns (5th)31 career starts with a 22–9 record as starting QBThree-time Team Captain, Honorable Mention All-Conference (2024), Walter Payton Award Watch List (2025)He also made history off the field as the first-ever Lemon Trophy winner, raising the most funds in our inaugural season for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Now, in his senior season, Bouman has made the decision to return to USD for “one last ride”, chasing championships on the field while chasing Alex Scott’s mission off it.Chris Schenkel, who helped create the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, shares why this movement matters and how FCS athletes across the country are rallying fans to fight childhood cancer. Together, they reflect on the past two years, the more than $100,000 raised, and what it means to build a season with purpose.💛 With the Coyote fans behind him, Bouman knows this is bigger than football, and he’s ready to get it done.