FCS Nation

FCS Nation

por Jace Denman
Fútbol americano
Temporada 7
The Challenge That Changed the FCS | Northwestern Mutual's Chris Schenkel 🍋
What started as an idea four years ago has grown into a nationwide movement across FCS football, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in the fight against childhood cancer and proving just how powerful these communities can be when competition meets a cause. Chris Schenkel, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual’s Schenkel Network Office in Sioux Falls, joins FCS Nation Radio to tell the story behind the challenge and how an idea rooted in FCS football grew into something much bigger. Chris takes us back to the beginning, explains why the FCS was the perfect home for the campaign and shares what he’s learned from the athletes, programs and fan bases that have rallied behind it. We look back at a remarkable 2025 campaign that raised more than $135,000, including Aidan Bouman’s $41,000+ effort, and discuss how competition between FCS communities has helped fuel the challenge’s growth. Chris also takes us inside Season 4, what’s changing, what they look for in an Honorary Captain and just how big this initiative could ultimately become. Plus, with every FCS fan base listening, we put Chris on the spot: What’s the number to beat in Season 4? 👀👀👀 This one is about football, community and what can happen when an entire subdivision decides to play for something bigger. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
T7 · E213
4 sept 2026
40:46
Week 1: FBS Scalps on the Table
Week 0 gave us blowouts, upsets, instant stars and one of the wildest finishes you’ll see all season, and now the FCS turns its attention to a loaded Week 1 slate. On this episode of FCS Nation Radio, we break down everything we learned from opening weekend, including West Florida’s statement win over ranked Southern Illinois in its FCS debut, Montana State’s three-phase domination, South Dakota State’s offensive explosion and William & Mary’s unbelievable comeback against Villanova. We also dive into the latest FCS Nation Top 25, debate the biggest movers and introduce the national Players of the Week after some ridiculous individual performances across the subdivision. Then it’s all about Week 1. We preview the biggest games on the board, including South Dakota State at Northwestern, Tarleton State at Bowling Green, Youngstown State at Kentucky, Rhode Island at Temple, Austin Peay at Vanderbilt and Idaho State at Utah State. Which FCS teams have the best chance to take down an FBS opponent? Plus, we make our picks for the biggest games across the Top 25 and discuss which contenders have the most to prove this weekend. Week 1 is here. Let’s get into it.
T7 · E212
4 sept 2026
38:53
Week 0: Enough Talking. Let’s Play Football.
FCS football is officially BACK. 🏈 Stone Labanowitz and Kevin Marshall kick off the 2026 season with a loaded Week 0 edition of FCS Nation Radio, breaking down the games, storylines and teams ready to make the first statement of the year. The guys unveil the FCS Nation Preseason Top 25 before turning their attention to a packed Week 0 slate. WEEK 0 PREVIEW Stone and Kevin break down: No. 1 Montana State at Utah Tech Stetson at No. 2 South Dakota State Southern Utah at No. 3 Montana Prairie View A&M at No. 4 Tarleton State No. 5 UC Davis at Portland State St. Francis (IL) at No. 8 Illinois State No. 9 Lehigh at Holy Cross Monmouth at No. 12 Tennessee Tech Central Connecticut State at No. 16 South Dakota No. 17 Stephen F. Austin at McNeese No. 18 Abilene Christian at No. 21 Lamar VMI at No. 19 Idaho State Campbell at No. 23 ETSU Southern vs. No. 25 Alabama State The Citadel at Wofford COLLEGE FOOTBALL CAMPUS TOUR Michael Barker of College Football Campus Tour joins the show as he begins his 10th season chasing one of the wildest goals in college football: attending a home game at every Division I program in America. With every FBS stadium already checked off his list, Barker is closing in on completing the FCS and talks about what keeps him crisscrossing the country in search of the next stadium, the next campus and the next Saturday. THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER RETURNS Season 4 of the Northwestern Mutual, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and FCS Nation fight against childhood cancer is officially underway. Stone sits down with Liz Scott, co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and mother of Alex Scott, to talk about Alex’s legacy, the incredible progress being made in childhood cancer research and the more than $250,000 FCS athletes and their fan bases have raised through the challenge in just three seasons. A new group of athletes is ready to take the torch, and the chase for the Lemon Trophy begins again. WEEK 0 PICKS 💰 Then it’s time to put some pride on the line. Stone and Kevin go head-to-head with their Week 0 score predictions, picking every game on the FCS Nation slate and beginning their season-long battle for bragging rights. The rankings are out. The picks are in. The Lemon Trophy is back. And FCS football has officially returned. Welcome to Week 0.
T7 · E211
29 ago 2026
37:44
Liz Scott, co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation kicks off the 2026 season 🍋
The fight against childhood cancer is back for Season 4. 🏈🍋 FCS Nation’s Stone Labanowitz sits down with Liz Scott, co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and mother of Alex Scott, the little girl whose lemonade stand sparked a movement that has now raised more than $300 million for childhood cancer research and family support. Liz has helped kick off this challenge every season, and this year, the conversation goes back to where it all began, with Alex. Liz reflects on her daughter, the idea that started with one lemonade stand and the extraordinary progress that has been made in childhood cancer treatment in the years since Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She and Stone discuss just how different Alex’s diagnosis and outlook could be today because of advances in research, and what those advances mean for children and families still fighting. They also break down what the dollars raised actually accomplish, translating donations into hours of childhood cancer research and showing how every contribution can move the fight forward. And then there’s the FCS. Over the first three seasons of the Northwestern Mutual, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and FCS Nation challenge, more than 20 athletes and their fan bases have combined to raise over $250,000 for the cause, from college football standouts to players who have gone on to the NFL. Now, a new group of FCS athletes is stepping up for Season 4. Liz shares a message directly with this year’s competitors as they prepare to use their platforms, their communities and a little bit of football-fueled competition to make a difference far beyond the field. Alex had a lemonade stand. These guys have football. And after more than $250,000 raised together in three seasons, there are no signs of slowing down. The fight continues, one athlete, one fan base and one cup at a time. 🍋 Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
T7 · E210
29 ago 2026
28:43
Taco Dolwer - Honorary Captain of the Week | THIS IS BIGGER THAN FOOTBALL🍋
Stone was joined this week by Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler, who proudly represents Montana State in the nationwide fight to raise money and awareness for children and families battling cancer on behalf of Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, along with Devin Coyle, District Director for Northwestern Mutual in Bozeman, Montana, for a special Honorary Captain of the Week episode of FCS Nation Radio. A Billings, Montana native and one of the most dynamic all-around players in the FCS, Dowler joins the show just days before stepping onto the biggest stage in the subdivision, as Montana State prepares to compete for the FCS National Championship on Monday, January 5 in Nashville. The conversation centers on his journey from Billings to Bozeman, the growth that comes with becoming a leader, and the responsibility of representing both his program and a cause bigger than football. Dowler reflects on how his role has evolved within Montana State’s offense, what leadership truly looks like inside a championship locker room, and how accountability, preparation, and belief have shaped this Bobcats team throughout the season. We dive into the depth and chemistry of the wide receiver room, the importance of embracing different skill sets, and why this group has taken a collective step forward at the right time. Devin Coyle provides insight into the local impact behind the Northwestern Mutual x FCS Nation Radio x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, explaining what it means for the Bozeman community to rally around Taco as an Honorary Captain. He discusses Northwestern Mutual’s long-standing commitment to fighting childhood cancer and how local leadership helps turn fan support into meaningful, nationwide impact. The episode also explores why Taco was selected as an Honorary Captain of the Week, how he’s using his platform to support kids and families across the country facing cancer, and why this mission carries added weight as he prepares for a national championship opportunity. An episode about leadership, purpose, and playing for something greater, on the field and beyond it. Follow the championship journey and behind-the-scenes coverage from Nashville at @FCSNationRadio1 and @labanowitzstone.
T7 · E209
2 ene 2026
28:06
LIVE FROM NASHVILLE TENNESSEE ... THIS ONE IS FOR ALL THE MARBLES 🍿
The FCS National Championship has finally arrived, and FCS Nation Radio is on the ground in Nashville to preview the biggest night of the season. Stone and Kevin take a deep dive into how Illinois State and Montana State navigated one of the most unpredictable playoff paths in recent memory, starting with a breakdown of the semifinal matchups and the defining moments that punched each team’s ticket to the title game. We examine Illinois State’s improbable postseason run, a team that refused to listen to projections, won four straight road games, and found its best football when the margin for error was razor thin. From the Redbirds’ offensive playmakers stepping up in clutch moments to a defense that transformed week by week, we discuss how belief, balance, and timely execution have carried them to the brink of a championship. On the other side, Montana State arrives with championship expectations and unfinished business. We analyze how the Bobcats evolved over the course of the season, why their offensive rhythm has hit another level down the stretch, and how a physical, opportunistic defense has consistently flipped games in their favor. From quarterback play to the run game to the impact of defensive stars, we break down what makes Montana State so difficult to slow down, and where pressure could still show up under the bright lights. Stone and Kevin go position by position, highlight the key matchups that could swing the outcome, and discuss which team controls the pace, the turnover battle, and the emotional edge in a championship environment. We also talk legacy, urgency, and what a national title would mean for two programs that have waited, and suffered, to get back to this stage. We wrap the episode with our official picks and final score predictions as kickoff approaches. The boys are live in Nashville all week, follow the journey, the analysis, and the championship coverage at @fcsnationradio1 and @labanowitzstone.
T7 · E208
2 ene 2026
31:44
Honorary Captain of the Week | Jamal Mull - Central Arkansas OL 🍋
This week’s Honorary Captain of the Week is Jamal Mull, offensive lineman for Central Arkansas and one of the most impressive voices we’ve had on the show, on and off the field. An NFL-caliber talent, Jamal is preparing to move to Dallas ahead of the NFL Draft, but before taking that next step, he’s using his platform to fight for something bigger than football. In this episode, Jamal joins us to talk about his journey with the Bears, competing in the Dream Bowl on January 11, and why giving back matters to him as a student-athlete. Representing Northwestern Mutual in partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Jamal is raising funds and awareness for children battling childhood cancer as part of A Season With Purpose. You’ll also hear from Demi Mathis, Business Development Officer, as we dive into the impact of the Northwestern Mutual internship program and why Jamal was the obvious choice to represent Central Arkansas as an Honorary Captain this season. 💛 Donations close January 4, and it truly only takes a little effort to make a big difference. 🔗 Donate here: https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/central-arkansas-x-meeks-network-office 💰 Amount raised so far: $128,409 This is more than football. It’s leadership, purpose, and using the spotlight to change lives. Tune in and do your part.
T7 · E207
30 dic 2025
36:59
Julian Fox, Mercer Bears Linebacker | HONORARY CAPTAIN OF THE WEEK 🏈🍋
This week, FCS Nation welcomes Julian Fox, linebacker for the Mercer Bears, as our Honorary Captain of the Week! Julian joins John David Miller, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual’s Macon (Goodwin-Wright Network Office), to discuss the impact of the Northwestern Mutual x Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Challenge, an initiative raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer. From sharing his personal journey on and off the field to highlighting Mercer’s role in this nationwide effort, Julian shows how FCS athletes can stand for something bigger than the game. Learn how Northwestern Mutual supports youth, families facing adversity, and some of the nation’s best internship opportunities while empowering athletes to make a real difference. Bears fans, it’s your turn to step up! Donations to the challenge are open now and will close January 4, let’s help Julian, Mercer, and the entire FCS community make a lasting impact for kids in need. AMOUNT RAISED: $4,304 Tune in for stories, stats, and the heart behind the jersey. https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/goodwin-wright-network-office-x-mercer-university
T7 · E206
23 dic 2025
30:52
Road to Nashville: Final Four Edition 🏈
This week’s episode is all about championship momentum and semifinal stakes in the FCS. We open with a full playoff replay, breaking down a dominant weekend across the bracket. Montana State powered past Stephen F. Austin behind a physical, fast-paced attack, while Montana overwhelmed South Dakota to set up a long-awaited rivalry clash with everything on the line. Villanova continued its postseason surge by knocking off Tarleton State with a resilient, come-from-behind performance, and Illinois State proved its road toughness with an impressive win at UC Davis. We also recap an instant classic in the CELEBRATION BOWL, where South Carolina State completed a historic comeback over Prairie View A&M in a four-overtime thriller. Thanks to GAMESTRAT, we move on to the semifinal preview, starting with one of the biggest games the subdivision can offer: Montana vs. Montana State, with rivalry, style contrast, and a trip to the title game at stake. We also break down Illinois State at Villanova, a matchup featuring two teams peaking at the right time with very different paths to the semifinals. We wrap things up with Alex’s Honorary Captain of the Week Segment and close with our official picks for both semifinal games. It’s wall-to-wall FCS playoff talk. Results, storylines, strategy, and what to watch as championship weekend approaches.
T7 · E205
19 dic 2025
37:23
Stone Cold Under Pressure: Tommy Rittenhouse Leads Illinois State to the Quarterfinals
Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse joins the podcast fresh off one of the most shocking wins in FCS playoff history, a 29–28 road upset of No. 1 North Dakota State in the Fargodome. Despite throwing five interceptions, Rittenhouse delivered when it mattered most, leading two late touchdown drives and completing the bold game-winning two-point conversion to silence one of the toughest environments in college football. In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the week of preparation, the calm he felt in the middle of chaos, and the mindset behind the phrase, “You can’t score 14 in one drive.” He talks about trusting his teammates, embracing the scramble drill, and why there was no hesitation when it came time to go for two. Tommy also reflects on his five-year journey at Illinois State, the influence of head coach Brock Spack, the bond inside the Redbirds locker room, and how Johnny Cash helps fuel his edge on game day. Now quarterfinal bound, Rittenhouse looks ahead to the rematch out west at UC Davis, carrying belief, composure, and a team built for the moment.
T7 · E204
13 dic 2025
27:59
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