The FCS Edge

Opta Analyst
  • 4.0 (13)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

Get the edge on everything FCS football with The FCS Edge. Join expert national FCS writers Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell each week as they break down the biggest stories, standout performances and rising programs from across FCS college football. From in-depth analysis of the Top 25 to game-changing matchups and players making noise, The FCS Edge gives you the insight and perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and be sure to visit https://theanalyst.com/competition/fcs-football/articles for even more coverage and data-driven stories from the world of FCS college football.

  1. 11h ago

    FCS Football is Back; Brent Vigen Interview

    The boys are back in town … The offseason is over, kickoff is nearing and The FCS Edge has returned with co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell. Not only do they review the Top 25 preseason poll and begin to set you up for the 2026 season, but their special guest is head coach Brent Vigen of defending national champion Montana State. Our interview with Brent Vigen includes: Dealing with the pressure of defending a national championship. How does Montana State approach player retention and transfer portal strategies? Offensive line and quarterback development at Montana State. Potential breakout players to watch for in 2026. The importance of leadership inside the locker room from returning players. The evolving college football landscape and potential FCS realignment. In addition, Craig and Zach discuss the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll and new national challengers: How deep does the FCS championship picture go? What can stop Montana State from repeating as national champion? Does NDSU's departure create a bigger group of national title contenders? Is the gap between the MVFC and Big Sky to other conferences getting bigger? Should FCS fans feel better about the transfer portal with the amount of returning talent across the subdivision? To catch every episode, 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.

  2. Jul 15

    Villanova Football Coach Mark Ferrante Joins The Show

    National championship-winning programs tend to move up to the FBS, not across the FCS, but the Villanova Wildcats – 2009 national champions and semifinalists last season – have moved into Patriot League football – with the success (double figure wins in four of the last five seasons) expected to continue in Mark Ferrante’s 10th season as head coach and 40th on the Wildcats staff. Ferrante joins host Craig Haley on The FCS Edge for a revealing look into the switch in conferences, his program and old school/modern hybrid of a coaching style, and the 2026 season ahead.  Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with Mark Ferrante: Villanova's transition from CAA Football to Patriot League Challenges of conference realignment in college football Strategies for team development and player growth Impact of travel and league structure on team performance Adapting coaching philosophy to modern college football To catch every episode, 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.

  3. Jun 10

    Montana's Eli Gillman Joins The Show

    The Jerry Rice Award has a strong history of recipients since its inception in 2011, but during the 2020s decade, five of the first six standouts to be named FCS national freshman player of the year have made a transfer to the FBS level – all but Montana All-America running back Eli Gillman. On The FCS Edge, the 2023 Rice recipient joins host Craig Haley to discuss why he’s stayed in Missoula. Gillman also looks ahead to Montana being a national title contender, how he’s nearing the school’s all-time rushing yardage record, and why he’s a Grizzly and not a Bison. Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with Eli Gillman: Eli feels time has flown by during his college years. The off-season training has been going well with new teammates. Coach Bobby Kennedy maintains the Montana football brand while adding his own style. Eli values team success over individual records. Improvement in understanding the pace of the game has been key for Eli. Managing the physical toll of the season is crucial for longevity. Eli believes he has an underrated elusiveness on the field. Winning the Jerry Rice Award boosted Eli's confidence and goals. Eli prioritizes loyalty to Montana over potential financial gains from transferring. Family support has been a significant factor in Eli's success. To catch every episode, 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. Jump to your favorite part of our interview with Eli Gillman by using the chapter links below: 00:00 – Introduction 01:43 – Eli's journey: Reflecting on college football 03:03 – Coaching change: The impact on team dynamics 06:00 – Personal goals: Chasing records and team success 09:03 – The pressure of transferring and staying true to roots 12:00 – Family and support: The foundation of success 14:55 – The rivalry: Montana vs. Montana State 18:02 – Looking ahead: Goals for the senior year

  4. May 12

    Payton Award Winner Beau Brungard

    After Youngstown State’s Beau Brungard became just the third FCS quarterback to have both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season, he seeks to become just the third to win the Walter Payton Award for a second time in 2026. On The FCS Edge, host Craig Haley discusses that challenge with Brungard, how he was destined to lead the Penguins squad, and how good the upcoming season can be for both of them.  Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with 2025 Walter Payton Award Winner Beau Brungard: Beau reflects on winning the 2025 Walter Payton Award and staying hungry after the honor. He looks back on his rare 3,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing season. Beau explains what he enjoys most about being a true dual-threat quarterback. He breaks down his memorable 50-yard touchdown reception. He discusses how Youngstown State’s offense fits his skill set. Beau talks about lessons from the 2025 playoff loss to Yale. He shares why Youngstown State means so much to him and his family. He explains why he and other key Penguins stayed despite NIL and transfer interest. To catch every episode, 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. Jump to your favorite part of our interview with Beau Brungard by using the chapter links below: 00:10 Welcome to FCS Edge 02:00 Spring semester reflections and achievements 04:55 Significance of the Walter Payton Award 07:54 Quarterback training and development 10:43 Team dynamics and learning from past seasons 13:54 Looking ahead: The 2026 season 16:53 Personal life and future aspirations 20:01 NIL and team commitment

  5. Apr 7

    NFL Draft Expert Eric Galko Joins

    NFL Draft expert Eric Galko is on the clock. Our guest on The FCS Edge – from the East-West Shrine Bowl and Optimum Scouting – gives host Craig Haley an inside look at top FCS prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Eric also discusses who’s under the radar, the evaluation process, draft leader NDSU’s move from the FCS, and much more. Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with NFL Draft expert Eric Galko: FCS prospects in the NFL Draft Impact of transfers from FCS to FBS Scouting strategies for small school players Top FCS players in the 2026 draft class Role of the East-West Shrine Bowl in player evaluation To catch every episode, 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.

  6. Mar 11

    Chicago State’s Bobby Rome II

    Sometimes fantasy football is real life. Just ask Chicago State football coach Bobby Rome II, who’s been building his FCS start-up program from the ground up and toward an inaugural season in 2026. Taking a break from the preparation, Rome joins The FCS Edge and host Craig Haley to discuss the process and what to expect from the Cougars in their debut. Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with Bobby Rome II: The goal is to create a sustainable football program. FCS football has been a significant part of Coach Rome's life. Recruiting players who want to build a legacy is crucial. Chicago's opportunities make for an attractive place for recruits. Creating a winning culture is essential for success. Community support is vital for the program's growth. Wins are important in the inaugural season. Future plans include potential stadium development. Alumni connections can enhance the program's visibility and appeal. To catch every episode, 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.

  7. Feb 18

    FCS Championship Future

    FCS football is coming of a successful championship game in Nashville, Tennessee, but key decisions are on the way. The date for the final game of the 2026 season may change, and the host city beyond then is still to be determined. To put you more in the know, The FCS Edge with host Craig Haley welcomes back Ty Halpin of the NCAA to discuss the future of the FCS championship game and its host city. Here's what you can look forward to in our conversation with Ty Halpin: The 2025 FCS season was marked by unexpected outcomes and increased parity. Nashville's hosting of the championship was well-received, with positive feedback from teams. The bid process for future championship hosts is competitive and encourages creativity. North Dakota State's move to the FBS will change the dynamics of the FCS championship. Engagement with local cities is crucial for enhancing the championship experience. The NCAA is focused on improving fan experiences during championship events. Weather conditions played a significant role in the success of the Nashville championship. The importance of planning and preparation for championship events cannot be overstated. Future bids will consider the unique offerings of each city to enhance the championship atmosphere. The FCS community continues to evolve, with new programs emerging and fan bases growing. To catch every episode, 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.

  8. Jan 7

    Bobcats and Seasonal Wrap

    Montana State’s overtime win over Illinois State in the FCS championship game was off-the-charts thrilling, and Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell break it down in The FCS Edge, episode 20. As part of the 2025 season’s final episode, our co-hosts also review many of the top memories. Here's what you can look forward to hearing in our season finale: Montana State's victory was a culmination of years of hard work. Special teams played a crucial role in the championship outcome. The atmosphere in Nashville was unmatched for an FCS game. Coaching decisions significantly impacted the game's flow. The playoffs showcased the depth and competitiveness of FCS football. Community engagement is vital for the growth of FCS football. The FCS national awards ceremony highlighted outstanding individual performances. Memorable moments from the season will resonate with fans. The future of FCS football looks promising with emerging programs. Fan support is essential for the success of FCS teams. 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. Here are the timestamps to jump to your favorite bits of the show: 00:00 - The thrilling championship game recap 02:51 - Key moments and players in the game 05:53 - Special teams impact and decisions 08:59 - Atmosphere and fan engagement 11:53 - Contrasting styles of play 14:42 - Final thoughts on the season and rankings 17:53 - Looking ahead to future locations 20:43 - Awards and season highlights 26:22 - Evaluating the top players of the season 31:31 - Memorable moments and highlights of the season 38:14 - The future of FCS football 44:30 - Reflections on the season and community impact

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4
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Get the edge on everything FCS football with The FCS Edge. Join expert national FCS writers Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell each week as they break down the biggest stories, standout performances and rising programs from across FCS college football. From in-depth analysis of the Top 25 to game-changing matchups and players making noise, The FCS Edge gives you the insight and perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and be sure to visit https://theanalyst.com/competition/fcs-football/articles for even more coverage and data-driven stories from the world of FCS college football.

Information

  • Creator
    Opta Analyst
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Opta Analyst
  • Show Website
    The FCS Edge

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