FCS Nation

🏈🍋 More Than Football: The Citadel's Braylon Knauth Named FCS Nation Honorary Captain of the Week!

This week's FCS Nation Honorary Captain of the Week, presented by Northwestern Mutual and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, is The Citadel's do-it-all playmaker Braylon Knauth!

FCS Nation's Kevin Marshall sits down with Knauth, a wide receiver, punt returner and kick returner for the Bulldogs, alongside Amanda Hall, Executive Director of Recruitment and Selection for Northwestern Mutual's Worrell Network Office, to discuss how college football, leadership and community partnerships are making an impact far beyond the field.

Knauth shares what life is really like as a cadet-student-athlete at The Citadel, the demanding daily schedule that comes with attending a military college, and how his teammates and coaches have shaped his approach to leadership. Hall explains what made Knauth the perfect choice for this year's partnership, the incredible support from the Charleston community, and how Northwestern Mutual's ongoing efforts with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation are helping advance the fight against childhood cancer.

The conversation also highlights the power of NIL to create meaningful change, a special team event at Charleston's '541 King', and an initiative that has helped raise more than $250,000 over three football seasons.

Plus, Knauth talks football as the Bulldogs prepare for a major Southern Conference showdown against Tennessee Tech at 2 p.m. ET, with rivalry matchups against Furman and VMI still ahead.

It's football with a purpose, and a reminder that the biggest impact an athlete can make doesn't always happen between the lines.

🍋 Supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer.

The FCS football playoff race is heating up, and Week 8 is probably bringing more chaos!

This week on the show, we're breaking down another wild weekend, including North Dakota's stunning upset of No. 1 South Dakota State.

We dive into the madness of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the latest shakeup in the FCS Nation Top 25, and the teams making moves as the race for the FCS Playoffs intensifies. Who's a legitimate national championship contender, and which highly ranked programs should be hitting the panic button?

We preview the biggest matchups across the country, breaking down our Head Turners, highlighting key players to watch, and identifying the teams with the most to prove as conference championship races heat up.

Plus, we've got our Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, standout performances, bold predictions, upset alerts, and picks for another loaded weekend of FCS football.

With the playoff picture becoming more unpredictable by the week, every game matters. Who survives, who stumbles, and who's ready to make a statement?

All that and more on this week's episode of FCS Nation Radio!

Northwestern Mutual & FCS Nation 2026 | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

The FCS landscape is heating up, and Week 7 delivered plenty of reasons to shake up the rankings. Kevin Marshall and Stone Labanowitz are back on FCS Nation Radio to break down the biggest results across the country, unveil the latest FCS Nation Top 25, spotlight standout performances and preview another loaded weekend of FCS football.

Northern Arizona made one of the loudest statements of the season, knocking off No. 2 Montana in a 49-44 thriller behind a six-touchdown performance from quarterback Ty Pennington. The Lumberjacks are surging, and the guys discuss what the win means for the Big Sky race, Montana's outlook and Northern Arizona's emergence as a legitimate national contender.

Meanwhile, Tarleton State kept its undefeated season rolling with a 40-32 road victory over Austin Peay. Quarterback Kaden Anderson continued to impress as the Texans strengthened their position near the top of the national rankings. The guys also revisit Northern Iowa's win over North Dakota, Youngstown State's offensive explosion, South Dakota's continued momentum and Lamar's dramatic victory over UIW.

With South Dakota State holding the No. 1 spot in the latest FCS Nation Top 25, Kevin and Stone examine the movement throughout the rankings, the teams gaining ground and the programs facing questions as conference races intensify. Plus, a look at the week's top individual performances and the players making a name for themselves on the national stage.

Special Guest: Lamar Head Coach Pete Rossomando

Lamar Cardinals head coach Pete Rossomando joins Kevin Marshall for an inside look at one of the FCS's most physical football teams. Rossomando discusses the Cardinals' downhill rushing attack, the development of quarterback Aiden McCown and why winning in the trenches remains central to Lamar's identity. He also shares his philosophy on tackling and physical practices, highlights key defensive contributors and gives some well-deserved recognition to the unsung heroes making an impact on special teams.

The conversation comes as Lamar continues its push in the Southland Conference, with a pivotal matchup against Southeastern Louisiana on deck.

Looking Ahead: Week 7 Preview

The upcoming slate features major conference implications and several matchups that could reshape the national picture. South Dakota State travels to North Dakota, Northern Iowa faces a surging Youngstown State squad, and undefeated Tarleton State welcomes Central Arkansas. Out west, Montana looks to rebound against Idaho, Montana State visits Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona aims to build on its statement victory when it hosts Portland State.

Kevin and Stone break down the matchups, identify key players to watch and discuss which teams have the most to prove as the FCS playoff picture begins to take shape.

And, of course, the show wraps up with the weekly picks, upset specials and predictions as the guys put their football knowledge to the test.

From statement wins and rising contenders to coaching insight and pivotal conference showdowns, it's another packed edition of FCS Nation Radio.

Follow us at @FCSNationRadio1 for weekly analysis, interviews, rankings and coverage from across the Football Championship Subdivision.

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Lamar Cardinals head coach Pete Rossomando joins Kevin Marshall on FCS Nation Radio for an in-depth conversation about the Cardinals' rise in the FCS, their physical identity and the players helping establish Lamar as a legitimate contender this season.

Ranked No. 10 in the FCS Nation Top 25, Lamar has quietly put together an impressive campaign behind a downhill rushing attack, a physical defense and a commitment to winning in the trenches. Rossomando explains why he's stayed true to an old-school approach in an era increasingly dominated by spread offenses and how the Cardinals' versatility allows them to create problems for opposing defenses.

The conversation also dives into the development of quarterback Aiden McCown, whose football pedigree includes an 18-year NFL veteran father and a brother playing quarterback at UTSA. Rossomando discusses McCown's unconventional path to the position, his growth as a leader and the work behind his emergence as a dual-threat weapon for the Cardinals.

On the defensive side, Rossomando shares his philosophy on teaching tackling in today's college football landscape, why full-contact practices remain an important part of Lamar's preparation and how players have helped set the tone defensively.

Kevin also asks Rossomando to spotlight the players who rarely receive recognition but make a difference every week. From long snapper Jacob Hefner to special teams' contributors Nick Rossomando and Daike Yoshikawa, the head coach gives credit to the guys doing the dirty work that doesn't always show up in the box score.

The interview wraps up with a look ahead to Lamar's upcoming Southland Conference showdown against Southeastern Louisiana as the Cardinals look to continue building momentum and proving they belong among the FCS elite.

Catch the full conversation on FCS Nation Radio with Kevin Marshall.

This week's FCS Nation Honorary Captain spotlight takes us to Albany, New York, where University at Albany defensive back Donny Jones is making an impact that extends far beyond the football field.

Jones joins FCS Nation's Stone Labanowitz alongside Alessandro Tronco, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual's Capital Region office, for a conversation about football, community, leadership and the opportunity to use his growing platform for something bigger than the game itself.

A Capital Region native and former Christian Brothers Academy standout, Jones has deep roots in the Albany community. His reputation as both an athlete and a person made him a natural choice to represent Northwestern Mutual's Capital Region team in this season's FCS Nation Honorary Captain initiative, benefiting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer.

Donny discusses his initial reaction to being selected, what it means to represent his hometown on and off the field, and why the opportunity to support children and families battling cancer was one he couldn't pass up. From the sidelines at UAlbany football games to the community's involvement in the Lemon Top Challenge, the Capital Region has rallied around Jones and the mission behind his Honorary Captain campaign.

Alessandro offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Donny was selected, the importance of finding athletes who embody the values of the initiative, and why this partnership represents a different side of the NIL landscape. While NIL continues to transform college athletics, the Honorary Captain program demonstrates how student-athletes can leverage their visibility to create meaningful change rather than simply pursue personal financial opportunities.

The conversation also explores Northwestern Mutual's longstanding relationship with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a partnership dating back to 2012 that has helped generate substantial support for childhood cancer research and families facing unimaginable challenges. Alessandro reflects on the foundation's origins, the extraordinary power of communities working together, and the impact that fundraising efforts of all sizes can have when united behind a common mission.

Now in its fourth season, the FCS Nation Honorary Captain initiative brings together student-athletes from across the Football Championship Subdivision to raise awareness and funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Each athlete represents their school, their community and, most importantly, a cause that reaches far beyond the gridiron.

From Donny's journey as a hometown standout to Alessandro's perspective on leadership, philanthropy and the future of NIL, this episode is a reminder that the influence of college football players isn't measured solely in tackles, touchdowns or wins.

Football provides the platform. The Honorary Captain initiative provides the purpose. And together, we're working toward a future without childhood cancer. 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

Tune in to hear Donny Jones and Alessandro Tronco discuss the people, partnerships and purpose behind this season's Honorary Captain campaign.

Learn more about FCS Nation at FCSNationRadio.com and support the fight against childhood cancer through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

The FCS football landscape has been turned upside down, and Week 6 is bringing some of the biggest matchups of the season. From shocking upsets and a new No. 1 team to a highly anticipated Top 10 showdown in the United Athletic Conference, there's plenty to unpack on this week's episode of FCS Nation Radio.

We kick things off with a wild Week 5 recap, headlined by Idaho's stunning 35-34 victory over previously No. 1 Montana State. The Vandals erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit, scored a touchdown in the final seconds and converted a game-winning two-point attempt to end the Bobcats' 19-game winning streak. What does the loss mean for Montana State's national championship hopes, and how far should the defending champions fall in the rankings?

Meanwhile, South Dakota State made its case for the top spot with a convincing 31-14 road victory over Illinois State, while Montana continued rolling behind quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat's five-touchdown performance. Youngstown State strengthened its résumé with a ranked win over Southern Illinois, Northern Arizona handed Idaho State its first loss, and Western Carolina exposed some serious concerns for previously unbeaten Tennessee Tech in a 44-20 upset.

And don't forget The Citadel. The Bulldogs pulled off one of the weekend's biggest surprises, knocking off previously unbeaten South Carolina State 34-31 behind a dominant rushing performance and a walk-off field goal.

With the rankings shaken up, we reveal the latest FCS Nation Top 25 and discuss which teams deserve to rise, which contenders have questions to answer and whether South Dakota State has established itself as the team to beat.

We also recognize our FCS Nation Players of the Week, including Yale quarterback Dante Reno, who delivered an emotional four-touchdown performance just one day after the passing of his father, longtime Yale head coach Tony Reno, and North Alabama defensive standout Leo Glover, whose 11 tackles, two interceptions and two tackles for loss helped the Lions defeat Eastern Kentucky.

Then it's time to turn the page to a loaded Week 6 slate, featuring several matchups with major conference championship and FCS playoff implications.

No. 3 Tarleton State at No. 10 Austin Peay headlines the weekend as two of the UAC's best square off in Clarksville. The undefeated Texans bring one of the nation's most explosive offenses, led by quarterback Kaden Anderson, who has thrown 12 touchdowns without an interception. But Austin Peay has plenty of firepower of its own, including Chris Parson, one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the FCS, and Denver Harper, a dynamic playmaker averaging nearly 53 yards per touchdown.

Austin Peay head coach Jeff Faris joins Kevin for an exclusive interview, discussing the Governors' rise, the leadership of Chris Parson, Harper's electrifying performances, the playmakers behind the UAC's top-ranked defense and the home-field advantage at Fortera Stadium. Faris also makes a bold case for why he believes the UAC is the best conference in FCS football.

Elsewhere, No. 2 Montana travels to No. 14 Northern Arizona in a massive Big Sky matchup. Can the Lumberjacks follow up their upset of Idaho State with another statement victory, or will Keali'i Ah Yat and the Grizzlies continue their climb toward the top of the national rankings?

We also break down key matchups across the Southland, CAA, Ivy League, Patriot League, SWAC and SoCon, including Incarnate Word at Lamar, Cal Poly at Idaho State, Harvard at Cornell, Jackson State at Grambling, Dartmouth at Yale and Wofford at Elon.

Finally, we close things out with our Week 6 picks and predictions, breaking down all the matchups, identifying potential upsets and debating which teams are ready to make a statement.

Austin Peay football is making noise across the FCS, and head coach Jeff Faris joins Kevin on FCS Nation Radio ahead of one of the biggest matchups of Week 6: a Top 10 showdown between the No. 10 Governors and No. 3 Tarleton State.

The Governors enter the weekend at 5-1, riding a five-game winning streak and looking to defend one of the toughest home environments in FCS football. But standing in their way is an undefeated Tarleton State team averaging more than 500 yards of offense per game, led by quarterback Kaden Anderson, who has thrown 12 touchdowns without an interception.

At the center of Austin Peay's success is quarterback Chris Parson, who has emerged as one of the most efficient signal-callers in the country. With 11 passing touchdowns and a passing efficiency rating near 199, Parson has been putting together an impressive season. Faris explains why his quarterback's leadership, preparation and work ethic might be even more impressive than his production on Saturdays.

Then there's Denver Harper, one of the most electrifying playmakers in the FCS. Harper has scored nine touchdowns while averaging nearly 53 yards per score, making him a threat to change the game every time he touches the football. Faris discusses Harper's breakout performance, his impact on special teams and why opposing teams might want to think twice before punting his way.

While the offense has attracted national attention, Austin Peay's defense has been equally important to the Governors' success. Faris highlights the playmakers behind the UAC's top-ranked defense, including Kelton Crisp, David Portu, Eli Jones, Canaan Williams and Justin Wimpey, and discusses the challenge of slowing down Tarleton State's explosive offense.

Kevin and Faris also discuss the unsung contributors who have helped establish the program's culture, the remarkable home-field advantage at Fortera Stadium, the support of the Clarksville community and what it means for Faris to build a championship contender in his home state of Tennessee.

And Faris doesn't shy away from making a bold statement about the conference his Governors compete in, declaring the United Athletic Conference the best league in FCS football.

With a 10-game home winning streak, one of the nation's most dynamic offenses and a defense that continues to improve, Austin Peay has an opportunity to make a major statement against an undefeated Tarleton State team in a matchup with significant UAC championship and FCS playoff implications.

Can the Governors defend The Fort and establish themselves as legitimate national championship contenders?

Catch the full conversation with Austin Peay head coach Jeff Faris on FCS Nation Radio.

Austin Peay vs. Tarleton State | Saturday, October 10 | 6 p.m. CT | ESPN+

Illinois State wide receiver Dylan Lord and Ryan Kramer, Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual’s Chicagoland office, join FCS Nation Radio for a conversation that goes well beyond football.

https://www.alexslemonade.org/2026/illinois-state-x-kramer-network-office/donate

Lord talks about what it means to use his platform as a college football player for something bigger than the game, why the fight against childhood cancer resonated with him and what he hopes comes from being part of the initiative. We also discuss the responsibility that comes with representing Illinois State away from the field and how football has helped shape his perspective on leadership, adversity and making an impact in his community.

Ryan Kramer explains why Northwestern Mutual has made the fight against childhood cancer such an important part of its mission, how the partnership with FCS Nation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has grown over the years and why getting student-athletes like Dylan involved can make such a difference. We also discuss the impact the players have made through the campaign and what Ryan has learned from watching athletes across the FCS embrace the cause.

Then, we get into football. 🏈

Lord is coming off a breakout 2025 season in which he caught 74 passes for 734 yards and five touchdowns, saving his biggest performance for the FCS National Championship Game against Montana State with career highs of 13 receptions and 161 yards to go along with two touchdowns.

We talk about that championship run, what he learned from playing on the biggest stage in the FCS, his development as a receiver and the expectations surrounding Illinois State after coming within one point of a national championship last season.

Lord also takes us inside the Redbirds’ 2026 offense, his chemistry with quarterback Gage Roy, the mentality of the receiving room and what makes the Missouri Valley Football Conference such a grind week after week. Through five games, Lord has 34 catches for 368 yards and five touchdowns.

And there’s no shortage of football to discuss heading into this weekend.

Illinois State enters Saturday at 4-1 and looking to respond after its first loss of the season, a 28-21 road defeat at Northern Iowa in which Lord caught a first-quarter touchdown. Waiting for the Redbirds is No. 2 South Dakota State, also 4-1, in one of the biggest FCS matchups of the weekend. The Jackrabbits and Redbirds kick off Saturday at 6 p.m. CT from Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, on ESPN+.

We talk with Dylan about bouncing back from a loss, preparing for one of the premier programs in the country, what a matchup like South Dakota State demands from an offense and what Illinois State needs to do to get back on track in the MVFC.

It’s a conversation about football, leadership and using the platform that comes with being a college athlete to make a difference as Dylan Lord represents Illinois State in the fight against childhood cancer.

Week 5 is here, and the big picture is already getting shaken up.

Kevin and Stone break down the biggest results from the weekend, including Montana State staying perfect, Montana’s dominant win over UC Davis behind a monster performance from Eli Gillman, Youngstown State’s statement win over South Dakota, Northern Iowa stunning Illinois State and North Dakota surviving Indiana State.

Then, we dive into the latest FCS Nation Top 25, hand out our Players of the Week and turn the page to a loaded weekend ahead. Can Illinois State bounce back against South Dakota State? What happens when No. 1 Montana State walks into the Kibbie Dome? And which teams are positioned to make the biggest statement as conference play heats up?

Plus, we break down the games to watch across the country and close it out with our Week 5 picks. 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

It’s another packed edition of FCS Nation Radio. 🍿

Southern Illinois linebacker Chris Presto joins FCS Nation Radio as our first Honorary Captain of the Week in the fight against childhood cancer alongside Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Now in his third season as an Honorary Captain, Presto talks about his leadership role with the Salukis, navigating the ups and downs of the season and preparing for Missouri Valley Football Conference play. He also shares why this cause hits close to home and how he’s using his platform to make an impact beyond the football field.

Joining Chris is Sheldon McGrath, Financial Advisor and Growth & Development Director in Northwestern Mutual’s Gross Network Office. Sheldon discusses the work being done throughout Southern Illinois to bring the fight against childhood cancer into local communities, the unique connection between college athletes and Northwestern Mutual, and why this partnership represents NIL at its best.

From Saluki football and life after the game to the Lemon Top Challenge, community outreach and the race for the Lemon Trophy, Chris and Sheldon give FCS Nation an inside look at what this initiative is really about: using the platform of college football to raise money and awareness for children and families impacted by childhood cancer.