The FCS Edge

FCS Conference Kickoff

Listen Later

The FCS football schedule is shifting more into conference matchups, and, oh, is it about to get more heated (and downright wacky). In The FCS Edge, episode 7, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell break down the best teams and races.

NFL teams aren’t just looking at the key games, they’re looking at the best FCS prospects in the leadup to the 2026 NFL Draft. Craig and Zach are here to pinpoint them as well. 

Here’s a rundown of the key talking points from our ‘FCS Conference Kickoff’ episode:
  • Conference play is finally here, ramping up excitement across the country.
  • Monmouth's impressive win over Villanova has elevated the Hawks in the Top 25 poll.
  • Southern Illinois is a dark horse to watch in the national championship race.
  • The SoCon race is shaping up to be chaotic this season.
  • Presbyterian's surprising performance has caught attention beyond the Pioneer League.
  • NDSU's Cole Payton is emerging as a top quarterback prospect this season.
  • NDSU wide receiver Bryce Lance is considered the top NFL prospect from the FCS level.
  • The Ivy League is showing competitive balance with multiple teams in contention.
  • The hosts emphasize the importance of conference matchups in determining playoff contenders.

    • As you would expect with conference kickoffs, our pick 'ems segment could end up giving you the edge in what to look out for on Saturday.

    With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

    For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

    Chapters in "FCS Conference Kickoff"

    00:00 - Kickoff to Conference Play

    02:56 - Top 25 Poll Insights
    06:14 - Dark Horses in the Championship Race
    08:54 - Conference Races Heating Up
    12:10 - Ivy League Surprises
    15:00 - Potential Runaway Winners
    17:31 - FCS NFL Draft Prospects
    20:17 - Quarterback Prospects to Watch
    24:18 - Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects From FCS
    32:12 - Key Matchups and Predictions for Upcoming Games

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    The FCS EdgeBy Opta Analyst
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    9 ratings

    More shows like The FCS Edge

    View all
    Bison Report Podcast Network by BisonReport.com

    Bison Report Podcast Network

    48 Listeners

    Bison Media Zone by Forum Communications Co.

    Bison Media Zone

    19 Listeners

    Big Sky Breakdown by Colter Nuanez

    Big Sky Breakdown

    52 Listeners

    Nuanez Now by ESPN Missoula

    Nuanez Now

    76 Listeners

    FCS Football Talk by BetMGM

    FCS Football Talk

    134 Listeners

    RnR Cat Cast - A Montana State Bobcat Podcast by RR Cat Cast

    RnR Cat Cast - A Montana State Bobcat Podcast

    47 Listeners

    FCS Fans Nation by FCS Fans Nation

    FCS Fans Nation

    65 Listeners

    FCS Nation by Jace Denman

    FCS Nation

    23 Listeners

    Hack City - FBS and FCS Football by Bleav, Hack City

    Hack City - FBS and FCS Football

    56 Listeners

    The Jackrabbit Illustrated Podcast by Jackrabbit_Illstrtd

    The Jackrabbit Illustrated Podcast

    54 Listeners

    The Bluebloods by Bleav

    The Bluebloods

    42 Listeners

    The FCS Check Down by Nathan McCreary, Brandon Joseph, Coach Ron Jackson

    The FCS Check Down

    9 Listeners

    Cats Pawd by Cats Pawd

    Cats Pawd

    21 Listeners

    Cat-Griz Insider by Cat-Griz Insider

    Cat-Griz Insider

    8 Listeners

    BISON 1660 - The Insiders by Radio FM Media

    BISON 1660 - The Insiders

    10 Listeners