Podcasts about hero sports

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.

Guests include:  Sam Herder, Hero Sports and Jeff Kolpack, Forum of FM 

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.

Guests include:  Sam Herder, Hero Sports; Jeff Kolpack, Forum of FM and; Avery Koenen, NDSU Junior Forward 

Colter Nuanez kicks off the show alongside FCS expert and HERO Sports contributor Sam Herder, continuing their breakdown of a wild FCS National Championship. They discuss the title game being played in Nashville for the first time, what the setting brought to the event, and how the atmosphere elevated an already unforgettable championship week. From there, the conversation turns to the game itself—one of the craziest national championships you'll ever see—as Colter and Sam unpack the moments, decisions, and chaos that turned it into an instant classic. The two also dive into broader FCS developments, including early discussion around next season's playoff landscape. (3:42)Next, Colter shifts focus to Montana State's recent developments, breaking down Bobcat players entering the transfer portal and what it means for the program moving forward. (35:36)To wrap up the first hour, Colter turns his attention to the NFL, previewing key matchups as the NFL playoffs get underway this Saturday. (47:05)

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.

On this episode, Sam and Zach preview the FCS championship game between Montana State and Illinois State. What are some key matchups, things to watch, and storylines heading into this game?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 Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports and ESPN Montana. They discuss:-Montana State's journey to the national title game-How this year's team has a different personality from last year's team-Is last year's championship result a motivating factor?-Is this the best coaching job by Brent Vigen in his time at MSU?-Justin Lamson and the new-look offense-Illinois State matchup-Nashville-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 John Fitzgerald, the play-by-play voice for Illinois State. They discuss:-Illinois State's playoff journey to Nashville-When did things click for Illinois State-The win at NDSU-Expected crowd in Nashville-Key players for Illinois State-Brock Spack-Illinois State adapting to the new age of college athletics-The matchup against Montana State-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 and Zach discuss:-Recapping the semifinal games as Montana State defeats Montana in an epic atmosphere, and Illinois State's incredible run continues with a win at Villanova.-They then give a 500-foot view of the FCS championship matchup and the atmosphere it'll be in Nashville.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guests include:  Sam Herder, HERO Sports; Cole Payton, Former NDSU Quarterback and; Donovan Woolen, NDSU Sophomore Linebacker 

On the first hour of Nuanez Now, Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS expert and HERO Sports contributor Sam Herder to break down a massive weekend in the FCS playoffs.The two dive into the chaos on one side of the bracket, where unranked Illinois State and No. 12 seed Villanova shocked the college football world, running the table to reach the semifinals with a chance to play for a national championship.On the other side, history is set to be made as Montana and Montana State meet in the postseason for the first time in this storied rivalry. Dubbed the “Super Brawl,” it's one of the most anticipated games in the history of Montana sports, with a spot in the FCS National Championship on the line. (3:38)Later in the hour, Colter welcomes Montana State color commentator Keaton Gillogly to continue the conversation, diving deeper into the stakes, storylines, and matchup details surrounding the Super Brawl. (30:36)To wrap up the first hour, Colter shares his own analysis on the other semifinal matchup between Illinois State and Villanova, breaking down what to watch as both teams fight for a spot in the national championship game. (47:39)

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the quarterfinals-Previewing the semifinal round-How hyped is the Montana-Montana State game? How unexpected is the Illinois State-Villanova game? What are the keys to victory? And is new blood in one semifinal matchup good for the FCS?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

To kick off Nuanez Now, Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS expert and HERO Sports contributor Sam Herder to break down last weekend's action — including the major upset of North Dakota State — and preview the next four games in the FCS playoffs, featuring upcoming matchups for both Montana and Montana State. (3:20)Next, Geoff Safford is joined by the man behind the glass, Hayden Smith, for a conversation on the Brawl of the Wild on the ice, the Seattle Kraken, and the latest storylines from around the NHL. (34:03)

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the 2nd round.-What do we make of NDSU's loss and Mercer's performance? Meanwhile, USD and Montana impress in their wins.-Game-by-game previews for the quarterfinals and Celebration Bowl.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS expert and HERO Sports contributor Sam Herder to break down the latest action across the FCS landscape and preview the upcoming playoff matchups—including Montana's showdown with South Dakota State and Montana State's clash with Yale. (6:17)Then, Colter sits down with Missoula native Adam Jones to discuss the Cats securing the outright Big Sky title, what it means for a hometown kid to win inside Washington–Grizzly Stadium, and how Montana State is gearing up for Saturday's matchup with Yale.(31:35)To close the show, Colter shares his thoughts on Eli Gillman being left off the Walter Payton Award watch list despite his standout season for the Grizzlies. (40:18)

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from the 1st round-Game-by-game previews for the 2nd roundThe 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 discuss the FCS playoff bracket. What were the biggest surprises in the seeds and on the bubble? They then break down each corner of the bracket before looking into the FCS championship odds.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS expert and HERO Sports contributor Sam Herder to break down the Brawl of the Wild, react to the newly released FCS playoff bracket, and take a wide-angle look at the FCS landscape as a whole. (2:04)Next, Colter shares his thoughts on the news surrounding Brent Vigen and his candidacy for the vacant head coaching position at Oregon State. (27:03)

Colter continues his deep dive into rivalry week, previewing the Brawl of the Wild and examining the wider FCS landscape with FCS expert and Hero Sports contributor Sam Herder. (4:50)Then, the voice of the Bobcats, Keaton Gillogly, joins the show to add even more insight as the countdown to the Brawl of the Wild heats up. (29:26)Lastly, Colter takes time to discuss and honor the life and legacy of Lady Griz basketball great Skyla Sisco, who recently passed away at the age of 50 after a battle with cancer. (47:54)

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss playoff outlooks for each conference. Who are some bid thieves? Who is on the playoff bubble? Who is in a position to earn a Top 16 seed and a Top 8 seed? They break it all down here.The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guests include:  Sam Herder, HERO Sports; Mike McFeely, Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Columnist; Dave Richman, NDSU men's basketball head coach and; Steve Laqua, MSU Moorhead head football coach  

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 11-USD, Mercer, Lamar, YSU, and NDSU all pick up wins in ranked matchups-Playoff scenarios for teams and conferences, and how some Week 12 games impact the postseason picture-Notable games include No. 14 Illinois State at No. 16 South Dakota State, No. 19 Lamar at No. 15 Stephen F. Austin, No. 17 South Dakota at No. 21 Southern Illinois, No. 9 UC Davis at No. 3 Montana State, and No. 11 Rhode Island at MaineThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guests include: Sam Herder, Hero Sports and Jeff Kolpack Forum of FM 

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 10-Which upsets were most surprising between:No. 24/25 ACU beat No. 2/2 Tarleton StateIndiana State beat No. 4/5 SDSUIdaho State beat No. 6/6 UC DavisSouth Dakota beat No. 8/10 North DakotaUIW beat No. 14/14 LamarIdaho beat No. 19/21 Northern ArizonaSouthern Utah beat No. 22/24 Austin Peay-What to do with teams like Tarleton State and SDSU?-Did we jump the gun on the NDSU vs. the field talk?-Top 4 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Colton Pool, Hero Sports, on playoff scenarios for JMU + American Conf. Race, & Liberty's pathaway to C-USA Championship by Ed Lane

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 9-NDSU rolls SDSU, James Conway breaks an FCS career record, Michael Wortham is a star, and UTRGV continues to impress-Is it NDSU vs. the field? And where does SDSU go from here?-Big implications this week for No. 2/2 Tarleton State at No. 24/25 Abilene Christian-A look at Top 8 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guest include:   Sam Herder, Hero Sports and Jeff Kolpack Forum of FM 

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 8-No. 1/1 NDSU at No. 2/2 SDSU preview. How crucial is Chase Mason's status in this game? What are the key matchups? And what are the implications?-No. 18/20 Illinois State at No. 21/NR South Dakota preview. A huge matchup for playoff hopes.-No. 4/4 Montana at Sac State preview. A major game, plus some antics adding more drama.-No. 3/3 Tarleton State at Eastern Kentucky preview. Can Tarleton keep it rolling?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guests include: Sam Herder, Hero Sports and Jeff Kolpack Forum of FM 

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 7-Projecting what they think the playoff committee's Top 6 will be when it reveals its Top 10 ranking on Wednesday?-Are the top two obvious? Who has the best argument for the No. 3 spot? We think we know who the five teams are to be sorted within the Top 5, but how many teams are in position for the No. 6 spot?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 discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 6-What do we make of multiple Top 7 teams escaping upsets?-As we hit the midway point of the season, some hypothetical playoff seed scenarios get thrown into the discussion-Week 7 preview-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Guests include:  9:20 am - Best of Weekend   9:35 am - Sam Herder, HERO Sports    10:00 am - Jeff Kolpack, Forum of Fargo-Moorhead    10:35 am - HS Football Week 6 Recap  

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 5-Discussing how we ranked the Top 5 nationally-Week 6 preview: No. 1 NDSU at No. 6 Illinois State, No. 2 SDSU at No. 24 Youngstown State, No. 5 Montana State at No. 13 Northern Arizona, No. 16 West Georgia at No. 22 Austin Peay-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Colter Nuanez kicks off Hour 1 with a deep dive into the national FCS football landscape alongside HERO Sports writer and FCS expert Sam Herder. They break down top storylines, key matchups, and rising contenders from across the subdivision.Then, Colter is joined by Montana State defensive back Carson Williams to reflect on the Bobcats' bizarre game last week and discuss how the defense is developing heading into Big Sky Conference play.To wrap up the hour, Montana Hockey assistant coach Mike Anderson calls in to preview the team's upcoming road trip to Denver and what to expect over the next few days.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-A new model pitch for the FCS playoffs is being presented to commissioners. What is it? What are the positives? What are the negatives? Will it happen?-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 4The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

On the first hour of Nuanez Now, Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS insider and HERO Sports writer Sam Herder to break down the top performances and biggest storylines from across the FCS. They analyze key matchups, standout players, and how the national picture is shaping up heading into the heart of the season.Later in the hour, the voice of the Missoula PaddleHeads, Geoff Safford, stops by to recap the PaddleHeads' season and discuss their early playoff exit.Colter closes the hour with Montana State running back coach Josh Firm for the Montana State Minute, offering insight and updates from the Bobcats football program.

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 3-Montana beats UND in comeback fashion-Tarleton State and SIU dominate on the road-NDSU QB Cole Payton off to a hot start-Rhody improves to 3-0 -UIW makes a QB switch-Week 4 top games-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 and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 2-SDSU's big win at Montana State -Abilene Christian gets a ranked win over SFA-The Pioneer gets two more big non-conference wins -Lamar knocks off South Dakota -Bryant and LIU earn FBS wins-Week 3 top games-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 and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 1-Tarleton State and Austin Peay earn FBS wins-SDSU and Lehigh grab ranked victories-Two ranked SoCon teams get upset-Multiple FCS teams nearly beat FBS opponents-NDSU, Montana State, SDSU debut new QBs-Week 2 top games-And moreThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

08/28 Hour 1: Jason Steps Up As His Neighborhood Hero - 1:00 Top Storylines Around The Sports World - 15:00 Keegan Bradley Announces The 2025 US Ryder Cup Team - 33:00

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 0-Reacting to Nicholls knocking off No. 5 UIW-Thoughts on Mercer-UC Davis resulting in a no-contest due to lighting-Most intriguing Week 1 games. Will we see any FCS over FBS wins? Can Lehigh make a statement? How juicy is Sac State at SDSU?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds