Brian McLaughlin and Sam Herder discuss all things FCS on the HERO Sports Podcast Network.
The FCS Podcast is the go-to show for anyone who loves and wants to stay informed about FCS football. Hosted by Sam Herder, a known expert in the field, this podcast provides comprehensive coverage of all things FCS. Whether you attended an FCS school, love the division, or simply want to keep up with your FBS team's opponents, this podcast has got you covered. With its insightful analysis and deep knowledge of the FCS landscape, it's no wonder why The FCS Podcast quickly becomes a staple in many listeners' weekly rotation.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the level of expertise and insight provided by Sam Herder. He truly knows the FCS like no one else and his analysis is on par with that of Adrian Wojnarowski in the NBA. His deep understanding of each team and his ability to provide context and background information add tremendous value to the show. Additionally, listeners appreciate that each episode is well-organized and often includes bonus content that broadens their perspective on FCS football.
While it's hard to find any significant flaws in The FCS Podcast, some listeners may argue that it could benefit from more diverse perspectives or guest appearances. While Sam Herder does an excellent job on his own, having other voices in the conversation could add even more depth to the coverage. However, this is merely a minor critique as Sam's expertise still shines through in every episode.
In conclusion, The FCS Podcast is an essential listen for fans of FCS football. With its unparalleled coverage and insights into the national landscape of college football's lower division, this show sets itself apart from others in its category. Whether you're a diehard fan or just looking to expand your knowledge beyond your favorite team, The FCS Podcast provides top-notch content that will leave you wanting more after each episode.
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Listen to this week's FCS Herd w/ Sam Herder and Colter Nuanez, which originally aired on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.To watch the video version along with other FCS/Big Sky shows, check out the Skyline Sports YouTube channel.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-Biggest takeaways from Week 4-4 ranked teams lose to unranked opponents-Montana and Youngstown State get huge ranked wins-Montana State overcomes injuries for a ranked victory-Tennessee Tech's comeback win-And moreFor daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Hosted by Sam Herder and Brad Jones, the MonDak Football Show is syndicated across 11 radio stations and 13 content websites in the Midwest, highlighting the FCS powers in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Listen to this week's FCS Herd w/ Sam Herder and Colter Nuanez, which originally aired on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.To watch the video version along with other FCS/Big Sky shows, check out the Skyline Sports YouTube channel.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
On this episode of the FCS Daily Dose, Sam and Zach discuss: -Biggest takeaways from Week 3-SDSU's Top 10 win and Chase Mason's injury-CAA and Patriot League races-How we ranked South Dakota-SFA rising in the rankings-Reacting to Montana's and Montana State's performances-And moreFor daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Hosted by Sam Herder and Brad Jones, the MonDak Football Show is syndicated across 11 radio stations and 13 content websites in the Midwest, highlighting the FCS powers in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Listen to this week's FCS Herd w/ Sam Herder and Colter Nuanez, which originally aired on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.To watch the video version along with other FCS/Big Sky shows, check out the Skyline Sports YouTube channel.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-Biggest takeaways from Week 2-A strong Tier 2 in the FCS-Top 25 ballots discussion-G6 vs. FCS gap-Recruiting the transfer portal-And moreFor daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Hosted by Sam Herder and Brad Jones, the MonDak Football Show is syndicated across 11 radio stations and 13 content websites in the Midwest, highlighting the FCS powers in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Listen to this week's FCS Herd w/ Sam Herder and Colter Nuanez, which originally aired on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.To watch the video version along with other FCS/Big Sky shows, check out the Skyline Sports YouTube channel.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss their biggest takeaways from Week 1. Tarleton State, The Citadel, and Idaho State all knocked off FBS opponents, while West Florida continues to impress.They then look ahead to Week 2, including Montana State and Illinois State being favored against their FBS opponents. Two ranked matchups also highlight the slate: No. 16 William & Mary at No. 9 Lehigh and No. 13 Stephen F. Austin at No. 23 Abilene Christian.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
A preseason press conference was held for FCS media members on Aug. 25, allowing us to ask questions about the playoffs and championship.FCS Championship Committee Chair Kit Hughes (Holy Cross AD), Vice Chair Leon Costello (Montana State AD), and the NCAA's Ty Halpin were in attendance.
Hosted by Sam Herder and Brad Jones, the MonDak Football Show is syndicated across 11 radio stations and 13 content websites in the Midwest, highlighting the FCS powers in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
Listen to this week's FCS Herd w/ Sam Herder and Colter Nuanez, which originally aired on 102.9 ESPN Missoula.To watch the video version along with other FCS/Big Sky shows, check out the Skyline Sports YouTube channel.For daily podcasts by Sam, check out Sam Herder Sports on Patreon.
On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-West Florida beating SIU in its D1 debut-Tarleton's offense impresses-Austyn Modrzewski hype train-Competitive Big Sky and SoCon races -Thoughts on Montana's and UC Davis' close wins-Week 1 top games-And more
On this episode, Sam discusses the most important FCS game of every week.Which matchups will have the biggest implications for the Top 25 polls and the playoff picture?
On this episode, Sam and Zach pick their best returning player at each position in a snake draft format. They break down their top QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DT, DE, LB, S, and CB.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam and Zach go back and forth on some under-the-radar storylines ahead of the 2026 FCS season.From regional storylines, to conference and national storylines, to players and coaches … there is no shortage of interesting topics as the season approaches.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam discusses his most likely FCS over FBS upsets in the 2026 season.Will the number of FCS over FBS wins increase this fall? And would one of them even be considered an upset?
On this episode, Sam and Zach compare and contrast their Top 25 ballots to the media poll's rankings.Who are they higher on compared to other voters? What teams are they a bit more hesitant about? Who could rise or fall quickly from their preseason rankings? Those discussion points and much more!The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds
On this episode, Sam breaks down his Top 5 preseason favorites to win the 2026 Buck Buchanan Award. Two defensive ends, two safeties, and a linebacker make the Top 5.
On this episode, Sam breaks down his Top 5 preseason favorites to win the 2026 Walter Payton Award. A loaded race is sure to ensue this fall with multiple All-American quarterbacks returning. But can a non-QB win the award for the first time since 2016?
Sam's 8-week parental leave is coming to a close, which means new and fresh podcast episodes are coming your way soon! And by popular demand, the number of episodes will be increasing to 2-3 per week for the upcoming season.In this podcast channel, now called the FCS Football Talk Network, three shows will air:-FCS Football Talk (presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM)-FCS Talk w/ Sam Herder-FCS Gameday
Note: This episode originally aired on May 27. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in late July.On this episode, Sam breaks down his early FCS Top 15 teams heading into the 2026 season.
Note: This episode originally aired on March 9. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by Timothy Rosario, co-host of The Bluebloods on FCS Football Central.The two discuss:-Most surprising offseason headline-Big-picture questions ahead of the 2026 season-Is it Montana State vs. the field?-Who are some dark horses?-Can Illinois State keep its momentum going?-Who can take a step forward with impressive transfers?-And more
Note: This episode originally aired on April 8. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by West Florida broadcaster Will Kennedy. The two discuss UWF's move to the FCS from D2, the football program's rapid rise, the school's investment in football, and more.
Note: This episode originally aired on March 18. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by KC Smurthwaite, HERO Sports writer and a college athletics consultant The two discuss topics like future outlooks for conferences like the UAC and Summit League, future realignment dominoes, the college football landscape, and private equity in the FCS playoffs.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
Note: This episode originally aired on March 4. Sam is currently on parental leave and will have new episodes out in early August.On this episode, Sam is joined by Craig Haley, the FCS Senior Editor for Stats Perform/The Analyst. The two discuss:-FCS championship future-Private equity in the playoffs-Penn hiring Rick Santos, and Yale hiring Kevin Cahill-Future realignment-Where has the FCS improved over Craig's time covering the subdivision, and where has it weakened?-Parity in the FCS-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam breaks down his early FCS Top 15 teams heading into the 2026 season.
On this episode, Sam talks about Harvard branching out and scheduling tough non-conference games against FCS playoff contenders. He also discusses the Week 0 slate this year and how it was a missed opportunity for the FCS.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 30 returning FCS linebackers. The ranking in article form can be found here.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 25 returning FCS quarterbacks. The ranking in article form can be found here.
On this episode, Sam is joined by Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. They discuss:-Multiple Southland players as 2026 NFL Draft prospects-Player retention and the transfer portal-FCS playoff committee emphasizing D1 opponents-FCS Kickoff status -Autonomy subdivision discussions -Update on private equity and the FCS playoffs -Update on FCS championship game bid process-And more
On this episode, Sam breaks down his top 30 returning FCS running backs. The ranking in article form can be found here.
On this episode, Sam is joined by West Florida broadcaster Will Kennedy.The two discuss UWF's move to the FCS from D2, the football program's rapid rise, the school's investment in football, and more.
What are the biggest offseason questions for the Montana, Montana State, UND, USD, and SDSU football teams? We discuss one big-picture question for each program, and one on-field question for the 2026 season.
On this episode, Sam goes solo and talks about changes to the FCS playoff at-large selection criteria, this season's championship game date possibly being moved, an executive order protecting the Army-Navy game potentially impacting the FCS quarterfinals and Celebration Bowl, changes to the targeting rule, and a potentially new subdivision at the top of Division 1.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by KC Smurthwaite, HERO Sports writer and a college athletics consultant The two discuss topics like future outlooks for conferences like the UAC and Summit League, future realignment dominoes, the college football landscape, and private equity in the FCS playoffs.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by Timothy Rosario, co-host of The Bluebloods on FCS Football Central.The two discuss:-Most surprising offseason headline-Big-picture questions ahead of the 2026 season-Is it Montana State vs. the field?-Who are some dark horses?-Can Illinois State keep its momentum going?-Who can take a step forward with impressive transfers?-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by Craig Haley, the FCS Senior Editor for Stats Perform/The Analyst. The two discuss:-FCS championship future-Private equity in the playoffs-Penn hiring Rick Santos, and Yale hiring Kevin Cahill-Future realignment-Where has the FCS improved over Craig's time covering the subdivision, and where has it weakened?-Parity in the FCS-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by Tennessee Tech general manager and director of player personnel Justin McMullen.The two discuss:-The role of a college football GM-Recruiting the transfer portal -Player retention-Revenue-sharing -Communication with agents -Tampering -Transfer portal windows -TN Tech program momentum-And more
On this episode, Sam is joined by Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central and The Bluebloods.The two discuss:-NDSU going to the FBS, why it makes sense for the Bison, and what it means for the FCS-Bobby Hauck retiring as head coach at Montana, and then quickly coming out of retirement to take the Illinois DC gig-Travis Johansen stepping down as South Dakota's head coach to take the Rutgers DC job-Sac State's FBS pushThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill.The two discuss:-Bobby Hauck's retirement-Montana State winning the natty-Nashville experience-Update on Sequence Equity's pitch for the FCS playoffs -Southern Utah and Utah Tech joining the Big Sky-Jersey patches-Scholarship caps in the House era-Collective bargaining in college football-Western Realignment-And more
On this episode, Sam is joined by FCS Nation Radio's Stone Labanowitz.The former Southern Illinois quarterback turned FCS media member talks all things quarterbacks. Sam and Stone chat about the top returners in 2026, discuss why many of the top signal-callers returned, and talk about some risks of the transfer portal.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam is joined by FCS Fans Nation's Jamie Williams. The two discuss the biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2025 FCS season. Which teams surpassed preseason expectations? And which teams did not live up to the hype?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
On this episode, Sam and Zach recap an epic FCS championship game as Montana State defeats Illinois State in overtime. They also talk about how ISU and MSU can reload for next season. And then they discuss the experience in Nashville, which made its debut hosting the game.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.
Audio from Montana State's and Illinois State's FCS championship postgame press conferences.
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