Advertise on podcast: FCS Nation

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.

Week 4 of the FCS season is here, and FCS Nation Radio has you covered. Kevin Marshall and Stone Labanowitz recap a wild Week 3, including Southeastern Louisiana’s FBS win, Montana State surviving Central Connecticut State, South Dakota State taking care of Youngstown State, South Dakota’s battle with Boise State, Stony Brook’s statement win over Rhode Island and South Carolina State knocking off Furman. Then, the guys break down the latest FCS Nation Top 25 and hand out their FCS Nation Players of the Week before turning the page to a loaded Week 4 slate. Week 4 Preview: 🏈 #19 Northern Arizona at #1 Montana State 🏈 Eastern Illinois at #2 South Dakota State 🏈 #3 Illinois State at Northern Iowa 🏈 #4 South Dakota at #12 Youngstown State 🏈 #5 Montana at #8 UC Davis 🏈 #7 North Dakota at Indiana State 🏈 #9 Lehigh at Penn 🏈 Northeastern State at #10 Stephen F. Austin 🏈 #11 Tennessee Tech at Wofford 🏈 #13 Idaho State at Southern Utah 🏈 UT Martin at #14 Austin Peay 🏈 #15 Lamar at Nicholls 🏈 Bethune-Cookman at #16 South Carolina State 🏈 #17 Yale at Cornell Plus, FCS Nation continues its season-long partnership with Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, highlighting the FCS athletes using their platforms to help fight childhood cancer, this week with Southern Illinois Linebacker Chris Presto. 🐾🍋 Finally, Stone and Kevin make their Week 4 picks and break down the games they’ll be watching most closely this weekend. It’s another loaded week across the FCS. Get caught up and get ready for kickoff with FCS Nation Radio.

FCS Nation’s Kevin Marshall sits down with Furman head football coach Clay Hendrix following the Paladins’ road win over Mercer. Hendrix breaks down Furman’s early-season progress, a defense that continues to set the tone and the development of quarterback Jake Garcia as the Paladins work toward becoming a more versatile offense. He also looks ahead to Furman’s matchup with South Carolina State and explains why getting regional FCS programs back on each other’s schedules just makes sense. The conversation also dives into the changing landscape of the Southern Conference, including the addition of Tennessee Tech, before Hendrix talks about Furman’s Caleb Ellison, the Paladins’ representative in FCS Nation’s partnership with Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer. From the state of the SoCon to the identity of this Furman team and the young players helping shape its future, Coach Hendrix takes us inside the Paladins program.

Week 3 of FCS Nation Radio is loadeddddddd. We start by recapping another big weekend for the subdivision, including two more FBS scalps as No. 1 Montana State takes down Nevada and No. 8 Illinois State knocks off Northern Illinois. We also hit South Dakota State’s dominant win, Montana handling Utah Tech, Tarleton State surviving McNeese, Lehigh making a statement against William & Mary and Stephen F. Austin shutting down Abilene Christian. Then it’s on to the latest FCS Nation Top 25 and our Players of the Week before looking ahead to a stacked Week 3 slate. We preview: • Central Connecticut State at No. 1 Montana State • No. 8 Youngstown State at No. 2 South Dakota State • No. 3 Montana at Oregon State • Merrimack at No. 4 Tarleton State • Eastern Illinois at No. 5 Illinois State • No. 6 North Dakota at Nebraska • Stetson at No. 7 UC Davis • Dartmouth at No. 9 Lehigh • No. 10 Rhode Island at Stony Brook • No. 12 South Dakota at Boise State • No. 14 Austin Peay at No. 20 West Florida • No. 15 Stephen F. Austin at Prairie View A&M • No. 16 Yale at Holy Cross • No. 17 South Carolina State at No. 25 Furman • No. 23 Wofford at Chattanooga Furman head football coach Clay Hendrix joins the show to talk Paladins football and the season ahead. And stick around until the end for the picks. We make our calls on the biggest games of Week 3, including Youngstown State-South Dakota State, Montana-Oregon State, Eastern Illinois-Illinois State, North Dakota-Nebraska, South Dakota-Boise State, Austin Peay-West Florida and South Carolina State-Furman, with Kevin bringing a few upset specials to the table.

The FCS came for the FBS in a big way. Kevin Marshall and Stone Labanowitz break down three statement wins as Idaho State stunned Utah State, Tarleton State took down Bowling Green for its second straight FBS victory, and The Citadel survived Charlotte in a triple-overtime thriller. The guys also react to South Dakota State’s loss at Northwestern, unveil the latest FCS Nation Top 25 and Players of the Week, and look ahead to a loaded Week 2 slate. No. 1 Montana State heads to Nevada as a road favorite, No. 8 Illinois State gets its own shot at an FBS win against Northern Illinois, Tarleton looks to avoid a letdown at McNeese, and No. 20 William & Mary visits No. 9 Lehigh in a massive early Patriot League matchup. Plus, Kevin and Stone run through the biggest games across the subdivision, debate which contenders are for real and close it out with their Week 2 picks. Are FCS teams still trying to shock the FBS, or have we reached the point where some of them should be expected to win? -- let us know at @FCSNationRadio1

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

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.

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 TechStetson at No. 2 South Dakota StateSouthern Utah at No. 3 MontanaPrairie View A&M at No. 4 Tarleton StateNo. 5 UC Davis at Portland StateSt. Francis (IL) at No. 8 Illinois StateNo. 9 Lehigh at Holy CrossMonmouth at No. 12 Tennessee TechCentral Connecticut State at No. 16 South DakotaNo. 17 Stephen F. Austin at McNeeseNo. 18 Abilene Christian at No. 21 LamarVMI at No. 19 Idaho StateCampbell at No. 23 ETSUSouthern vs. No. 25 Alabama StateThe 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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