FCS Nation

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we spotlight a leader on and off the field, Villanova running back David Avit, joined by Grant Price, Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual’s Radnor Network Office, as part of our Honorary Captain of the Week series presented by Northwestern Mutual x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

https://villanova.com/sports/football/roster/david-avit/15238

Together, we dive into the mission behind A Season With Purpose, a nationwide initiative uniting FCS athletes and local Northwestern Mutual offices to raise awareness and funds in the fight against childhood cancer. Avit shares what it means to represent Villanova not just in the backfield but in his community, while Price talks about why this partnership between Northwestern Mutual, FCS Nation, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation continues to grow year after year.

From building purpose through football to giving back through passion, this episode shines a light on the heart behind the helmet, and the powerful impact of teamwork beyond the game.

💛 For Alex. For the Kids. For the FCS. https://www.fcsnationradio.com/alex-s-lemonade-stand

Tune in and join the movement. https://www.alexslemonade.org/affiliation/northwestern-mutual-fcs-nation-2025

Week 8 brought fireworks across the FCS, and the top teams made big statements. North Dakota State forced turnovers early and often in a 45–17 rout of Southern Illinois, while South Dakota State’s defense put on a Hobo Day masterclass, holding UNI to just a field goal. Montana’s second-half surge kept the Griz rolling past Cal Poly, and Tarleton State’s James Paige went off in a 41–23 win over Utah Tech. (Presented by GameStrat)

Montana State looked every bit the contender with a 48–14 blowout of Idaho State, Tennessee Tech stayed hot with a win over Charleston Southern, and North Dakota handled Youngstown State to stay in the top 10 mix. UC Davis, ACU, and Mercer also impressed with statement victories in the national top-25 landscape.

This week’s show breaks it all down, the plays, the power shifts, and the players of the week. Then, we look ahead to another loaded slate featuring NDSU at Indiana State, SDSU at Murray State, Sacred Heart visiting Montana, and more as playoff races start to heat up

🍋 Alex’s Lemonade Stand Honorary Captain of the Week & Villanova RunningBack David Avit and Managing Director Northwestern Mutual Radnor Network Office Grant Price join the show to preach the WILDCAT gospel!

Official Week 8 picks -- CHALK WILL PREVAIL ‼️

📻 Tune in — it’s FCS Nation Radio, where the FCS speaks!

The best stay the best, and you know who they are.

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re diving headfirst into another stacked weekend of FCS football. From the Dakota Dome to the desert, it’s all gas, no brakes.

SEG 1 – Recap: We break down another wild weekend where the rich got richer. North Dakota State took care of business on the road, South Dakota State showed championship grit, and Montana needed every bit of late-game magic to stay perfect. Plus, Tarleton State and Tennessee Tech keep proving they belong in the national conversation.

SEG 2 – Players of the Week & Top 25: Who stood out? Who’s moving up? We spotlight the players lighting up box scores and reshuffle the national picture heading into a massive Week 7.

SEG 3 – Week 7 Preview: This is where it gets good. 🔹 #6 SIU @ #1 NDSU – The heavyweight battle in Fargo. 🔹 #21 Youngstown State @ #9 North Dakota – Penguin power meets Dakota dominance. 🔹 #15 Northern Arizona @ #14 UC Davis – Two programs with everything to gain in a Top 15 showdown. Plus, we break down every Top 25 matchup — from the Paladins, Bears, and Jacks to those making noise out West.

SEG 5 – Picks: The picks segment stays hotter than ever. 🔥 Will the top dogs hold serve? Or is an upset brewing in the plains? We’re making our calls on every big matchup — and you’ll want to hear where we stand.

This week’s Honorary Captain of the Week is Illinois State wide receiver Eddie Kasper (#8), a bright spot on a top 10 Redbirds team and now, a powerful voice in the fight against childhood cancer. 🍋

Through the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, Eddie is dedicating his season to kids across the country battling cancer, raising funds and awareness through his play, his platform, and his heart.

In this episode, Eddie takes us inside Redbird Nation as the team gears up to face Murray State, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what a week of preparation really looks like. From catching passes from one of the best QBs in the nation, Tommy Rittenhouse, to representing his community with pride, Eddie embodies what this challenge is all about: impact beyond the field.

We’re joined by Ryan Kramer, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual’s Kramer Network Office in Chicagoland, whose leadership and passion for the Redbirds have helped bring this initiative to life locally. Together, Eddie and Ryan are rallying the Normal community to take a stand, not just for their team, but for kids and families who need hope the most.

💛 100% of funds raised go directly to the Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Research Fund and Family Travel Fund, in partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization born from the courage of 4-year-old Alex Scott, who turned her own fight with cancer into a movement that’s raised more than $250 million to date.

🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and join the movement. Because this season isn’t just about football, it’s about fighting for something bigger.

🔗 Support Eddie’s campaign: alexslemonade.org/2025/illinois-state-x-kramer-network-office 👤 Connect with Ryan Kramer: LinkedIn 🏈 Follow Eddie: Twitter: @eddiekasper13 Instagram: @eddie.kasper1

This one is special. The Great Dane Cam Stodghill not only causes problems for opposing offenses, but he does for the other 28 athletes competing for the Lemon Trophy.

This initiative hits a little closer to home for him, and it does for his running mate Alessandro Tronco, Managing Partner in the Tronco Network Office up there in Albany New York!

Both of these two take the stage to highlight what it is that made Cam an honorary Captain this season and why it is he dedicated his season to the cause and the fight!

To donate to Cam and his representing Northwestern Mutual Office, visit FCSNATIONRADIO.COM and visit the dedicated wing to the site that our list of athletes lives on.

DONATE TODAY: Cam Stodghill Tackles a New Challenge: Fundraising for Childhood Cancer | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Conference play is here and the stakes just got real. From North Dakota State rolling into Illinois State to South Dakota State’s trip to Youngstown, Montana heading to Idaho State, and a massive showdown between Yale and Lehigh, conference games galore are on deck.

This week, Kevin and Stone recap a wild Week 5, break down the Players of the Week, and dive deep into the biggest previews across the FCS Top 25. Will the top dogs get tested as league play heats up, or will the heavyweights keep cruising?

This week on FCS Nation Radio, we’re talking all things Ivy League football with none other than Tom Barton, the Ivy League correspondent you need to know. Tom breaks down the league as we head into Week 6 of the FCS season: why he’s high on Harvard, why Dartmouth is a real contender this year, and why he’s not quite buying Yale the way Kevin is.

We also dive into the groundbreaking news that the Ivy League will be in the FCS playoffs for the first time ever. Tom explains how it all came about, why the Council of Presidents finally pulled the trigger, and what it means for the future of the league.

Tom isn’t just a guest — he’s a legend in the sports world. With decades of experience as a radio host, sports analyst, and one of the most respected voices in handicapping, he brings unmatched insight and energy to every conversation.

Follow him on Twitter/X: @TomBartonSports

Because when it comes to the Ivy League, nobody breaks it down better!

🍋 HONORARY CAPTAIN OF THE WEEK: Noah Bennee, Tight End, Weber State University 🍋

On FCS Nation, Stone Labanowitz sits down with Weber State tight end Noah Bennee, our latest Honorary Captain of the Week, as part of the 2025 Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge.

Joined by Sawyere Monson, Managing Director of the Grabner Network Office of Northwestern Mutual in Northern Utah, Noah opens up about his journey on and off the field, and why this year’s challenge carries such personal meaning. Both Noah and Sawyere share powerful stories about how cancer has touched their families, and how those experiences fuel their determination to give back and raise awareness.

From leadership on the field to making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer, Noah is more than just a standout athlete, he’s a voice for hope and purpose.

👉 Tune in to hear Noah’s story, learn how you can support his season-long mission, and help him and Sawyere compete for this year’s Lemon Trophy.

Learn more and donate at FCSNationRadio.com & https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/grabner-network-office-x-weber-state-university

This week on FCS Nation, Stone Labanowitz sits down with Southern Illinois’ starting quarterback, DJ Williams, for an inside look at the Salukis’ 3-1 start and the leader behind it.

DJ’s journey from Harvey, Illinois, to becoming the face of SIU football is one built on resilience, adversity, and a chip on his shoulder that fuels his game. In this conversation, he opens up about:

• Overcoming hand surgery and proving doubters wrong
• Playing under head coach Nick Hill
• Leading Southern Illinois in their push to dominate the Missouri Valley Conference
• Why this year’s Salukis are built to contend

Get to know the competitor and the person behind the facemask as DJ shares his story, mindset, and what drives him to be one of the subdivision’s top quarterbacks.

It was a wild week in FCS football, and we’ve got you covered from top to bottom. Kevin & Stone break down big-time wins and upsets, highlights standout players, and looks ahead to a stacked slate of matchups.

In this episode:

• Recap: #3 Montana State shuts out Mercyhurst, #4 Tarleton State stays perfect, #5 Montana rolls Indiana State, #7 Illinois State survives in double OT, #8 SIU takes back the Wheel, Monmouth stuns #9 Villanova, ACU takes down #10 Austin Peay, and NAU edges UIW.
• Players of the Week & Top 25 Rundown
• Game Previews: #14 USD at #1 NDSU, Mercyhurst at #2 SDSU, #6 Idaho at #4 Montana, EWU at #5 MSU, ACU at UIW, TTU at Tennessee State, and more key matchups.
• PICKS SEGMENT 💰🤑