This week’s episode takes us to Carbondale, where Southern Illinois linebacker Chris Presto has quickly become more than just a defensive leader for the Salukis, he’s stepped into a much bigger role as our latest Honorary Captain of the Week in the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge. Presto opens up about why the fight against childhood cancer is deeply personal, how every dollar raised can change a family’s story, and why this season’s challenge is about far more than football.

Joining the conversation is Jenna Distler, Director of Campus Selection for the Gross Network Office of Northwestern Mutual, who has played an essential role in connecting Chris with this opportunity and helping him set the foundation to make a serious run at the 2025-2026 Lemon Trophy. Together, they talk about what it means to take on this challenge, the power of rallying an entire community behind a cause, and how Carbondale can step up to support Chris as he leads the charge both on and off the field.

At the end of the day, Presto reminds us that while football teaches resilience, the real battles are being fought by kids and families facing childhood cancer every single day — and that’s the team he’s proud to suit up for.

🍋 Want to help Chris in the fight? It’s simple: snap a pic with a lemon on your head, tag Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Northwestern Mutual, and use the hashtags #GoDawgs and #LemonTopChallenge. Each post triggers a $10 donation from Northwestern Mutual directly in Chris’s name.