Big Sky Breakdown

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.

No. 1 Idaho won for the 18th time in a row, setting a school record with their 29th win this season after toppling No. 2 Montana State 60-57 on Wednesday. Under second-year head coach Arthur Moreira, the Vandals are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. Moreira, Hope Hassmann and Debora Dos Santos addressed media following the historic victory. Montana State finishes its season with a 25-7 record. The Bobcats have won 55 games the last two seasons. Head coach Tricia Binford, Jamison Phillip & Addie Harris following the championship loss.

No. 7 Idaho won for the third time in three days to vault the Vandals into the Big Sky Tournament championship game for the first time since 1993. The Vandals beat No. 3 Eastern Washington 81-68 to advance to play Montana on Wednesday. Idaho head coach Alex Pribble, Isaiah Brickner & Kolton Mitchell following the victory. Idaho plays Montana at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Eastern Washington started its season 3-13 but won 11 of 17 down the stretch. They finish with a 14-19 record. 

Montana outlasted Portland State for a 75-72 win in the Big Sky Tournament semifinals, the third win this season for the Griz over the Vikings. UM advances to his seventh BSC Tourney title game in 11 trips under head coach Travis DeCuire.DeCuire, Money Williams and Brooklyn Hicks + Portland State head coach Jase Coburn & seniors Terri Miller Jr., and Jaylin Henderson addressed media following the game. 

Second-seeded Montana State needed a Briane Bailey game-tying 3-pointer to force OT, but emerged with a 79-77 win over No. 6 Eastern Washington in Boise. The Bobcats move into the Big Sky Tourney championship game to take on No. 1 Idaho on Wednesday at 3 pm The teams split season series. Montana State head coach Tricia Binford, sophomores Taylee Chirrick & Addison Harris along with Eastern Washington head coach Joddie Gleason along with sophomore Jaecy Eggars & freshman Elyn Bowers addressed the media after the game. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I took a look at all the FCS coaching hires in this year's cycle and gave my thoughts about who got the best hire and who got the worst hire, ranking them from 1-24. Tell me in the comments how I did. I also looked at the most likely FCS vs FBS upsets in the 2026 season. All of that and more in this week's episode.0:00 - Intro2:53 - FCS vs FBS Payouts & Upsets14:41 - UC Davis Connor's Brothers Seeking Waiver18:02 - Ranking 2026 FCS Coaching Hires45:52 - Top 5 Biggest Spring Ball QB Battles53:52 - Final Thoughts56:09 - End

Montana introduced Eric Sanders as its defensive coordinator officially on Thursday March 5. He addressed the media along. 

Montana introduced Eric Sanders as its defensive coordinator officially on Thursday March 5. First-year head coach Bobby Kennedy talked about hiring Sanders and his team's spring ball through two practices. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm giving my thoughts about Bobby Kennedy's spring press conference and what we may have learned from what he had to say! The combine was this weekend. Who are some of the FCS players who bettered their draft stock? The NCAA is nearing some rule changes for the 2026 season, and penalties are being discussed for coaches who sign transfers outside of the window. What does that mean going forward? All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis. Stay tuned for the entire episode. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro 2:27 - Bobby Kennedy Spring Press Conference 17:45 - FCS Combine Results27:05 - NCAA Penalties & Rule Changes36:06 - How NIL Has Affected The Draft42:47 - 10 CFP Commandments?48:23 - Is The NFL Scamming Consumers? 55:13 - Final Thoughts57:04 - End

Montana offensive coordinator Brent Pease addressed the media for the first time in his 8 years working at his alma mater to talk about UM's offense heading into spring ball. 

Montana head coach Bobby Kennedy gave a 20-minute opening statement about the Griz program then took questions for 10 minutes to help preview UM's spring ball, which starts on March 2. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm looking at the FCS teams with the most star power, NDSU's petition to be eligible for the CFP and the MWC championship, and the specifics of Sac State's deal with the MAC. I'm talking about 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 -  Intro 2:21 - Most Star Power in the FCS14:10 - NDSU Seeking Petition For CFP/MWC Championship Eligibility 22:52 - Sac State Giving Up A Lot To Join MAC31:39 - Rule Changes Coming In CFB? 37:36 - Top FCS Draft Prospects in 202646:37 - Elibigility Lawsuits in CFB51:53 - Final Thoughts54:05 - 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

Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez for reactions to Bobby Hauck retiring and a conversation about the legacy he leaves, or impacts, at the University of Montana. 

Montana head coach Bobby Hauck abruptly retired on February 4. He took a job at Illinois less than a week later. Brooks Nuanez and Colter Nuanez break it all down in a two-part episode.

Montana State women's basketball associate head coach Ryan Johnson has been in the Big Sky Conference for almost 20 years. He shares his thoughts on the league with Colter Nuanez.

Montana State sophomore Jaden Steppe scored a career-high 15 points as MSU defeated Montana in Missoula 82-71 on Saturday. Steppe talked about transitioning from Colorado State, his Montana roots, his rivalry experiences and more.

Montana associate head coach Chris Cobb joined Colter Nuanez to talk about roster building, coaching in the Big Sky in the modern era and the stretch run for the Griz with five games in conference play remaining before the league tournament in Boise.

Taco Dowler, one of the stars of Montana State's national title game victory over Illinois State, joins Colter Nuanez to rehash his favorite memories and talk about his summer football camps that he will host in the month of June alongside captain running back Adam Jones.

Former Montana State defensive coordinator Shawn Howe joins Colter Nuanez to talk about MSU's run to the 2025 national title and his departure to the NFL. 

Skyline Sports MSU beat writer Tom Stuber joins Colter Nuanez to rehash all the key details and key performers in Montana State's 35-34 win over Illinois State in the FCS national championship game.

Montana State sophomore Adam Jones rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second year in a row to help MSU to 14 straight wins and its first national title since 1984. He sat down with Colter Nuanez to rehash the memories and preview the summer camp series he has planned with Taco Dowler.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Colter joins to discuss the recent DC hires at Montana and Montana State. He also talks about a recent conversation he had with Kent Haslem and what he learned from it. I also asked him what he sees as a realistic timeline for the Cats and Grizzlies moving up to the next level. As always, he brings great insight and info to the discussion. Stay tuned for the entire conversation. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! Follow 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 head coach Travis DeCuire, senior Te'Jon Sawyer & junior Money Williams addressed the media following Saturday's 82-71 loss to rival Montana State. 

Montana State head coach Matt Logie along with seniors Jed Miller & Patrick McMahon addressed the media following MSU's 82-71 win over Montana in Missoula to complete the season sweep of the Griz. 

Montana head women's basketball coach Nate Harris addressed the media following his team's 72-55 home loss to rival Montana State on Saturday in Missoula. 

Montana State head women's basketball coach Tricia Binford along with junior Ella Johnson and sophomore Addison Harris following 72-55 win over Montana in Missoula on Saturday. 

Montana athletic director Kent Haslam joined Colter Nuanez to talk about Bobby Hauck's abrupt "retirement", then his resurfacing at Illinois and much more about the state of UM athletics.

Montana head women's basketball coach Nate Harris along with sophomore Avery Waddington addressed the media ahead of the rivalry game Saturday against Montana State.

Montana head coach Travis DeCuire, senior Te'Jon Sawyer & freshman Grant Kepley addressed the media ahead of Montana State coming to Missoula on Saturday.

Montana men's basketball assistant coach Jay Flores joins Colter Nuanez to talk about the state of college basketball and preview the Grizzlies' rivalry game against Montana State on Saturday.

Manhattan Christian alum Seth Amunrud shares his story of going from Class C to junior college to Montana State and helps preview MSU's rivalry game in Missoula against Montana on Saturday.

Montana head women's basketball coach Nate Harris joins Colter Nuanez to preview UM's game against Montana State in Missoula on Saturday.

Montana State freshman Jamison Phillip scored a career-high 23 points in MSU's 82-44 win over Montana in Bozeman in January. She joined Colter Nuanez to preview MSU's game in Missoula on Saturday.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I'm joined by Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central (FCS Bluebloods on YT) to talk about everything going on in FCS football (and there's a lot). From NDSU moving up to the FBS, to Montana head coach Bobby Hauck retiring, to Sac State willing to pay up to $10 million to go FBS. We get into it ALL.*This was recorded prior to the official announcement of NDSU leaving the MVFC for the MWC.*Make Sure To Subscribe To The FCS Bluebloods on YT (@TheBluebloods)Also Follow Zach & FCS Football Central on Socials @The__Bluebloods on Twitter @the_bluebloods on Instagram@zachmckinnell on Twitter @zachmckinnell on Instagram0:00 - Intro 3:57 - NDSU Leaving The MVFC To Join The MWC18:15 - Bobby Hauck Retiring At Montana 36:53 - Top Talent Returning To FCS in 2026 45:25 - Sac State Willing To Pay $10 Million For FBS Invite53:21 - Travis Johansen Leaving South Dakota58:43 - End

Montana announced Bobby Kennedy as its new head football coach after the retirement of longtime head coach Bobby Hauck on Wednesday. Kennedy's press conference took place at the Canyon Club on the UM campus. 

Skyline Sports analyst Andrew Schmidt, who played for Bobby Hauck from 2004 until 2008, joins Colter Nuanez to break down Hauck's announcement that he is retiring as the head coach at Montana. 

Longtime Montana head football coach Bobby Hauck and UM athletic director Kent Haslam addressed the media following Hauck's abrupt retirement on Wednesday February 4, 2026. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, the main topic is the discussion of how important Justin Lamson was to the success of the Montana State offense in the 2025 season. That, along with some other really good topics. Like and comment your thoughts down below! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! 0:00 - Intro2:12 - Is Justin Lamson A Game Manager? 20:23 - FCS Teams With Momentum Into 202633:26 - FCS Players At The 2026 NFL Combine39:42 - Changes Coming To The CFB Targeting Rules? 46:38 - Top FCS Games of 202554:56 - Final Thoughts56:25 - 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

Samuel Akem joins Colter Nuanez to talk national championship game reactions, NCAA transfer portal strategies and the near future for Montana and Montana State.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I talk about the best team in each FCS conference ahead of the 2026 season. I also talk about high school recruitment vs. the transfer portal as it pertains to college recruiting. I looked at the numbers for the last 11 FCS national champions and discussed where real contenders sit in those numbers. All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis. Stay tuned for the entire episode.0:00 - Intro3:26 - High School Recruitment vs Transfer Portal15:33 - My Top Returning FCS Team In Each Conference25:29 - What Numbers Do Real Contenders Have?40:04 - NCAA Approves Commercial Jersey Patches43:35 - 2025 Transfer Portal Success Stories 54:50 - Final Thoughts55:29 - End

Andrew Schmidt joins Colter Nuanez to talk Griz football, the transfer portal extravaganza and the University of Montana in search of a new president - how will it impact athletics?

In this week's Akem's Analysis, I look at the best teams heading into the 2026 season. I also grade Montana's 2026 transfer portal class so far. The transfer portal is now closed, and where have players ended up? All of that and more in this week's episode.0:00 - Intro3:21 - Way Too Early Contenders For 20269:27 - Grading Montana's 2026 Transfer Portal Class19:24 - Where Are Big Sky Players Going In The Transfer Portal?27:26 - What Are The Transfer Portal Numbers After Closing?35:05 - Top FCS Players Returning For 202642:51 - CFB Heading Towards 5 Years of Eligibility46:52 - Sac State's '26 Schedule Coming Together51:02 - Hot Coaching Candidates Heading Into 202655:04 - Final Thoughts56:43 - End

Montana State head coach Matt Logie, junior guard Jeremiah Davis and senior guard Davian Brown addressed the media following MSU's first win over Montana in Bozeman in Logie's three seasons at the helm. 

Montana head coach Travis DeCuire addressed the media following his team's 76-67 loss to Montana State in Bozeman on Saturday afternoon. 

Montana first-year head coach Nate Harris addressed the media following his team's 82-44 loss to Montana State in Bozeman on Saturday afternoon.

Montana State sophomore Taylee Chirrick, freshman Jamison Phillip and head coach Tricia Binford address the media following MSU's 82-44 win over the Lady Griz of Montana.

Montana State senior Jed Miller talks about his breakout final season and his last home rivalry against the Montana Grizzlies.

Montana State women's basketball play by play radio man Daniel Salle joins Colter Nuanez on Nuanez Now to preview Saturday's rivalry game for MSU against Montana.