Big Sky Breakdown

Brent Myers has been coaching college football since 1982 and has 28 years of experience in the Big Sky Conference between his time at Eastern Washington (1982-1991), Northern Arizona (1992-1997) and Weber State (2014-2025). He's in his first year as the offensive line coach at Montana. He joined Colter Nuanez to talk about Bobby Kennedy, the transition of the UM coaching staff and his OL unit, which must replace five senior starters.

Manhattan High junior Brayden Zikmund, who's father, Rory Zikmund played at Montana, joined Colter Nuanez of ESPN MT and Skyline Sports to discuss his recent commitment to Griz football. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm talking about the CAA Strength of Schedule for 2026. Which CAA teams have tough schedules and which have easier schedules? How many playoff teams will the CAA have in 2026? I discuss all of this in that segment. Who do I think are the top-10 FCS RBs coming into the 2026 season? There is a ton of good RB play, but I will be listing my top-10 in this video. The AFCA recommended a 24-team playoff for the CFP, and I wanted to give my thoughts about it. All of this and more in this week's episode. 0:00 - Intro6:15 - CAA Strength of Schedule26:58 - My Top-10 FCS RBs For 202645-10 - AFCA Recommends 24-Team Playoff 1:03:01 - 3 HBCU Programs Academically Ineligible1:05:35 - D2 Transfer Portal Window1:06:54 - UCF Signs British LB From ELF1:09:30 - Final Thoughts1:11:39 - EndJoin My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/tNC2MqsX5dFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Montana senior running back Eli Gillman joins Colter Nuanez to recap Montana's spring drills + he previews his summer series of youth football camps. Visit eligillman.com for more information!

Montana State senior Taco Dowler joins Colter Nuanez to break down getting national championship rings, his analysis of MSU fooball + preview for the summer youth football camps he will host with Adam Jones starting next month. Visit https://tacoandadamsummerfootballcamps.com/ for more on how to sign up! 

Laurel junior Kade Leibrand, one of the top linemen recruits in the state of Montana, discusses his commitment to Montana State with Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now 102.9 ESPN Radio. 

Sam Sirmon, who's the latest Sirmon to commit to play for the University of Montana, talks about his recruitment and his family legacy at UM with Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now, ESPN MT, in April of 2026. 

Missoula Big Sky junior Eli Kasberg burst onto the scene last fall, leading the Eagles to the semifinals of the Class AA playoffs. The quarterback/athlete committed to the Montana Grizzlies in the spring of 2026. 

Montana State has three verbal commitments from in-state recruits, including 6-foot-4, 215-pound Saco, Montana product Laytin Erickson. The multi-sport athlete plays football at Class B Malta in the fall.

Montana State commitment Dax Yeager joins Colter Nuanez on 102.9 FM ESPN radio to talk about his pledge to MSU football.

Billings West junior Jack Ryan has several ties to the Griz football program. That plus his affinity for the new UM coaching staff led him to commit to Montana in April of 2026. He joined Colter Nuanez on ESPN MT to discuss the decision.

Samuel Akem joins Colter Nuanez to talk about the potential expansion of College Football Playoff to 24 teams + we share thoughts on why people aren't buying into the Oklahoma City Thunder as one of the great teams in modern NBA history.

Matt Brown, the founder of the Extra Points newsletter, joins Colter Nuanez on ESPN MT for this week's ESPN Roundtable talking everything from NCAA tournament expansion to potential expansion of the College Football Playoff to revenue sharing and the House settlement.

Montana State head coach Lyle Weese joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now, 102.9 FM ESPN Radio to talk about his team's successes and preview the regular-season finale meet in Bozeman this weekend.

Andre Patterson, a former Montana Griz football player who then coached in college football (1988-1997) before getting his first shot in the NFL on Bill Parcels' staff with the New England Patriots, joined Colter Nuanez to tell stories about his time in New England, Minnesota, Dallas, Cleveland, Denver and back to Minnesota before finishing with the New York Giants in a special Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame interview on ESPN MT. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we are talking about the SOS of the MVFC and which teams may have a harder road to the playoffs. Coch Bobby Rome II joins Akem's Analysis to talk all things Chicago State football and how they are doing leading up to their first season in the FCS. The 2026 NFL Draft just concluded. Who are the 15 players to watch out for in the FCS for the NFL Draft next year? I got you covered with all the biggest names. All of this and more in this week's episode.0:00 - Intro3:23 - MVFC Strength of Schedule in 202631:12 - Chicago State Head Coach Bobby Rome II Interview59:44 - My 15 FCS NFL Prospects To Watch For 20271:20:05 - NCAA Age-Based Eligibility Rule1:24:03 - MSU Transfer Gianni Edwards Film Review1:33:18 - Final Thoughts1:34:57 - EndJoin My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/tNC2MqsX5dFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Former Montana All-American WR & returner Michael Wortham joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now, ESPN MT for this week's ESPN Roundtable about Wortham's NFL opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Montana senior high jumper Erin Wilde has won 27 of her 49 career meets, including 13 outdoors. She capped an undefeated career in meets in Missoula with a high jump win on Saturday in Missoula.

Samuel Akem joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now to discuss why only four FCS players were drafted in the NFL Draft. Plus, Colter's reactions from the Montana State spring game. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I talk about all the teams in the Big Sky Conference and which have the toughest and easiest strength of schedule heading into the 2026 season. The NFL Draft has come and gone, and now some of the top FCS players have their home. Who ended up where, and what are their chances of making an impact? Is the transfer portal changing the number of FCS players to get drafted? I go in depth on this also. All of this and more in this week's episode. Like and comment your thoughts below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro2:42 - SOS of All Big Sky Teams23:26 - NFL Draft Reactions37:10 - Tremaine Jackson Call Out Slogan Steelers40:48 - FCS Conference Revenue47:37 - UTRGV Football Helping To Boom Economy51:16 - Film Review: Montana DL Transfer Zaden Kamanakoa Wallace1:01:13 - Final Thoughts1:04:17 - EndJoin My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/tNC2MqsX5dFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Montana State senior quarterback Justin Lamson joins the Big Sky Breakdown to talk MSU spring ball, preview the spring game and promote his upcoming youth summer camps.

MSU head coach Brent Vigen, No. 41 Caden Dowler, QB Justin Lamson, DE Dom Solano & freshman WR Parker Mady addressed the media following the session.

Colter Nuanez and Brooks Nuanez talk about the primary narrative for Montana State (1:57) entering 2026 as the Bobcats charge through spring ball. Plus, key positions to watch in this weekend's MSU spring game (16:15), and full reactions from the Griz spring game (24:41) a few weeks ago.

Montana State offensive line coach Matt Smith joins Colter Nuanez to give his national championship game reactions, position versatility along the offensive front, Titan Fleishmann's huge aspirations for his senior year and things to watch in the Bobcat spring game on Saturday in Bozeman.

Montana State defensive line coach Nick Jean-Baptiste joins Colter Nuanez on the first half of this week's ESPN Roundtable on 102.9 ESPN Radio to preview the MSU spring game on April 25.

Samuel Akem joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now, ESPN MT to break down the top returning QBs in the FCS, why they stayed at their respective schools, how we rank each AND the controversy behind those rankings.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I go through my 2026 QB rankings, and there may be some surprises. Montana State is the favorite to win the title in 2-26, but who are their biggest threats to upset them? UC Davis will be getting the Connors brothers back this season after their waiver was approved, and it could do a lot for them. Looking at their schedule, they may be able to win the Big Sky title in 2026. All of this and more in this week's episode.0:00 - Intro3:13 - My Ranking of The Top FCS QBs37:05 Connors Brothers Get Extra Year of Eligibility 43:53 - SWAC No Longer Playing Non-NCAA Opponents48:46 - Prairie View A&M Leveled Up Their NIL52:30 - Biggest Threats To MSU In 202658:02 - Final Thoughts100:27 - EndJoin My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/tNC2MqsX5dFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I talk about the new eligibility rule the NCAA put forward, which would give college athletes 5 seasons of eligibility after graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. I also talked with Hashimm Jones after the spring game, and we got to hear what his thoughts are on his role for the upcoming season. FAMU football received a postseason suspension for the 2026 season due to academic inadequacy. Chicago State only has 39 players and is not doing spring practices. What does that mean for them as Fall approaches? All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro2:33 - NCAA Eligibility Rules Changes11:00 - Hashim Jones Interview18:28 - Chicago State No Doing Spring Ball?27:28 - Drew Almquist The Highest-Ranked In-State Recruit In 10 Years30:28 - FAMU Football Suspended From Postseason39:35 - Pat McQuaide Seeking Eligibility Waiver45:20 - Final Thoughts46:49 - EndJoin My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/94xbp6y3Follow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Teya Yeomans checks in with her final recap of the Montana State spring rodeo following another standout day for MSU cowgirls and cowboys.

Teya Yeomans, a Montana State volleyball player and Skyline rodeo correspondent, breaks down Saturday night's Montana State rodeo performance and interviews bull rider Holden Atkinson.

Montana offensive coordinator Brent Pease & defensive coordinator Brent Pease join Colter Nuanez for the ESPN Roundtable on Nuanez Now on ESPN MT to preview the UM spring football game on April 10 at 6 p.m.

Andrew Schmidt joins Colter Nuanez for Master's picks + spring ball story lines (23:07), things to watch at Friday's Griz spring game, the three hardest Griz to replace (46:28) and the three easiest Griz to replace (55:41)

Skyline analyst Samuel Akem joins Colter Nuanez to break down the recent NFL Pro Day at both Montana and Montana State.

Montana State standout all-around cowgirl joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now to talk about MSU's spring rodeo starting April 9.

Montana State senior cowboy Cole Detton joins Colter Nuanez to talk all things MSU spring rodeo and his nomination as a finalist for the Little Sullivan Award.

Skyline Sports analyst Andrew Schmidt dives into his passion: the Master's Golf Tournament. He makes his picks in a dual purpose segment with Colter Nuanez. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm getting into my FCS Way Too Early Top 25 for the 2026 season. This comes from seeing the Flo Sports Way Too Early Top 25 and having some thoughts on how I would do it differently. Donald Trump signed an executive order on college sports that seeks to make sweeping changes to the wild, wild west landscape that we see today. I give my thoughts on some of the proposed changes and what they would mean going forward. All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis, so stay tuned for the entire episode. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! My Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/94xbp6y30:00 - Intro5:00 - My Way-Too-Early FCS Top 2519:39 - Trump Signs Executive Order On College Sports30:27 - FCS Conference Realignment I 2026 & Its Implications46:18 - Idaho Opts Into House Settlement49:34 - My Dark Horse Teams For 202653:48 - Final Thoughts 56:43 - EndFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Colter & Brooks Nuanez go back and forth on big questions about Montana and Montana State, including rebuilding Griz hoops after Money Williams transfers, Taylee Chirrick returning to MSU women's hoops, the Griz football team rebuilding its defense and key position battles for MSU football this spring. 

Montana State hosts its NFL Pro Day on April 2. Montana hosts its Pro Day on April 3. The Bobcats have four participates while the Griz have 15. Samuel Akem & Colter Nuanez break down the pro prospects of all the participating athletes on this week's "Inside the FCS" on ESPN MT.

Montana State defensive coordinator Bobby Daly joins Colter Nuanez to talk about Daly's foray to UTEP, his return to Bozeman and how the 2026 Bobcat defense appears to be shaping up. 

Montana State rodeo coach Kyle Whitaker joins Colter Nuanez to preview MSU's spring rodeo. 

Skyline Sports analyst Andrew Schmidt joins Colter Nuanez to talk about impressions of Bobby Kennedy's first few months on the job as the head coach for the Montana Griz football team.

Montana head football coach Bobby Kennedy joins Colter Nuanez on ESPN MT to talk about his coaching influences and how he'll go about evaluating the Griz offensive and defensive lines. 

Baker High School senior Madison O'Connor, a Montana State basketball commit, joined Nuanez Now to talk about Baker's state championship and her commitment to Montana State women's hoops.

Montana State first-year wide receivers coach James Price joins Colter Nuanez to talk about MSU's spring ball and national championship defense.

Montana State women's basketball play by play announcer Daniel Salle joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now to talk all things MSU women's hoops in the WNIT 

Montana State national championship skier Justine Lamontange joined Colter Nuanez Nuanez Now on ESPN MT.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I discussed Bobby Kennedy's recent recruiting wins and what they mean long-term for the Montana Grizzlies. A lot of fans have been displeased with how the in-state recruiting has gone over the last few years, and he's looking to turn things around. The Big Sky certainly has a favorite in 2026, but everyone has questions coming into the season. What are those questions? Conference realignment never sleeps, and with that comes the addition of West Florida to the FCS in 2026. What will that look like for the UAC? All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis! Like and comment your thoughts down below!!! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro4:17 - Bobby Kennedy Dominating In-State Recruiting16:01 - Biggest Questions For The Big Sky in 202636:30 - West Florida Joining The FCS in 202640:34 - Sacramento State's 2026 Football Schedule45:20 - Athletes Taking A MS/HS Redshirt Year?51:02 - Final Thoughts55:14 - EndFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm talking about the recent discussion going on at the admin level of the NCAA and one that could directly affect NDSU and Sacramento State. Since they are moving up, the "Deserving Teams Exception" could apply for them. Idaho State's revenue share number has been made public, I want to look at it and discuss what that means for the rest of the Big Sky Conference. I was asked about my college recruiting experience and I talk about all that led to me being offered by Montana in my junior year. All of this and more in this week's episode. Like and comment your thoughts below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!!0:00 - Intro3:13 - NCAA Rule Changes24:56 - Idaho State/Big Sky Revenue Share30:29 - My College Recruiting Story52:24 - Final Thoughts56:46 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm looking at who some of the young rising stars in FCS football are. These are players who have the chance to be some of the best in the country in 2026. Luke Combs made waves by saying he doesn't donate NIL at App State, and he thinks they should drop down. Are there real drop-down candidates at the FCS level? Sam Herder reported on potential changes coming to the FCS playoff eligibility and what that would look like in practice for the 2026 season. All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro3:30 - My Thoughts on Montana DC Eric Sanders23:57 - FCSOC Making Playoff Eligibility Changes30:45 - Luke Combs Says App State Should Return To FCS40:41 - Rising Star FCS Players in 202654:27 - Final Thoughts55:52 - EndFollow My Socials: Twitter/X:https://x.com/s_akem18?s=21INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/s_akem18?igsh=NWp2Njdta216OTZq&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelakem18?_t=8kcXTSonq6E&_r=1

Seventh-seeded Idaho became the first team in Big Sky Conference tournament history to win four straight games to advance to the NCAA Tournament by posting a 77-66 win over Montana. The Vandals (21-14) advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1990. Montana was gunning for its 14th NCAA Tournament bid in its 7th championship game appearance in 11 years under Travis DeCuire. Idaho head coach Alex Pribble, senior center Brody Rowbury & sophomore Kolton Mitchell +DeCuire, senior Te'Jon Sawyer (center) & junior Money Williams, the tourney MVP after the game.