In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discuss some of the most pivotal games happening this year in the Big Sky Conference. With many question marks, it isn't easy to know who will shine above the rest this season, but we can look at some of the games and anticipate high drama based on previous seasons. 

Sammy also delves into what Southern Utah and Utah Tech will bring to the Big Sky in 2026. Their entrance into the conference sparks a lot of discussion about the future. Sac State is still pushing forward with its FBS push, despite being denied by the Division I Council. 

0:00 - Intro 
2:01 - Pivotal Big Sky Games In 2025 
25:03 - Utah Tech & Southern Utah Joining Big Sky Conference 
31:52 - 12-Game Regular Season Schedule In FCS 
33:17 - Tom Wistrcill To Be Vice President of CCA 
36:21 - Sacramento State Still Pushing For FBS In 2026 
50:45 - SDSU & UND Officially Opt In 
56:03 - Final Thoughts 
57:58 - End

Colter Nuanez is joined by Matt Brown of Extra Points newsletter to discuss the latest in Division I sports, including Sac State's continued FBS push and exit from the Big Sky Conference. 

Clay Oven, a redshirt sophomore linebacker out of Billings who was just named the University of Montana football team's No. 37, addressed the media for the first time since receiving his new garment. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discusses his 5 biggest questions for the Big Sky Conference heading into the 2025 football season. There has been a lot of movement throughout the conference. Will the same teams emerge, and if so, will they look the same? 

Akem will also examine some of the top statistical leaders returning to the conference. One team seems to have retained some good talent. He will also be getting into Colter Nuanez's conversation with Tom Wistrcill on the Big Sky Breakdown (linked below). 

0:00 - Intro 
2:46 - My 5 Biggest Big Sky Questions Coming Into The 2025 Season 
19:17 - The Top Stat Leaders Returning To The Big Sky In 2025 
40:44 - Tom Wistrcill On New Changes In College Athletics 
55:08 - Buyouts In New House Settlement 
1:05:52 - USD Opting In, Sac State Seeking FBS Ind. Approval 
1:07:51 - Final Thoughts 
1:09:32 - End

Former Montana State and NFL cornerback Joey Thomas, a third round pick in 2004, joins Colter Nuanez to talk about his upcoming induction into the Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Northern Arizona head coach Brian Wright joins Colter Nuanez for this week's Big Sky Spotlight. 

Montana State rodeo cowgirl Shantell Brewer, one of the favorites at the College National Finals Rodeo in barrel racing, along with national championship qualifying sprinter Peyton Garrison (12:32) of MSU's 4x400 meter relay team joins Colter Nuanez for this week's Montana State Minute. 

Big Sky Conference commissioner Tom Wistrcill joins Colter Nuanez to talk about the state of affairs in college sports when it comes to realignment, the House settlement and the current state of the Big Sky. 

Sam Herder of HERO Sports and Bet MGM joins Colter Nuanez of ESPN Montana and Skyline Sports to talk about the current college football power struggle, conference realignment, the House Settlement and much more. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem will be examining the Big Sky Conference and discussing where he see the teams ranked in the preseason. We will also examine whether QB proficiency makes a difference in a team's success. The data shows that it may not be as important as some think. 

Villanova is following the trend of teams leaving the CAA and joining the Patriot League. What does this mean for the CAA going forward? 

We will also be talking about the NCAA v. House Settlement being approved and all the changes that are coming along with it. There is a new governance model and NIL Go clearinghouse platform.

0:00 - Intro 
3:41 - My Initial Big Sky 2025 Preseason Poll 
12:59 - Is QB Proficiency As Important To FCS Success As We Think? 
23:18 - HERO Sports Preseason Top-25 Poll 
29:02 - Villanova Leaving The CAA 
36:16 - The NCAA v. House Settlement Has Officially Been Approved 
55:48 - EA Sports College Football 26 Will Pay Schools For Team Usage 
57:40 - ChatGPT Jokes of The Week 
1:00:10 - Final Thoughts
 1:02:31 - End