FCS Football Talk Network

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