FCS Football Talk is a weekly FCS podcast, presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Senior FCS Analyst Sam Herder hosts the show throughout the year. During the season, FCS Football Central Senior Editor Zach McKinnell joins as a co-host. In the offseason, Sam brings on guests from all around the FCS for in-depth conversations.

Episode List

5 Ranked Games Highlighted Week 11 + Week 12 Playoff Implications

Nov 11th, 2025 7:24 PM

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 11-USD, Mercer, Lamar, YSU, and NDSU all pick up wins in ranked matchups-Playoff scenarios for teams and conferences, and how some Week 12 games impact the postseason picture-Notable games include No. 14 Illinois State at No. 16 South Dakota State, No. 19 Lamar at No. 15 Stephen F. Austin, No. 17 South Dakota at No. 21 Southern Illinois, No. 9 UC Davis at No. 3 Montana State, and No. 11 Rhode Island at MaineThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

FCS Chaos Weekend Hits -- 7 Upsets Shake Up The Top 25

Nov 3rd, 2025 8:19 PM

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 10-Which upsets were most surprising between:No. 24/25 ACU beat No. 2/2 Tarleton StateIndiana State beat No. 4/5 SDSUIdaho State beat No. 6/6 UC DavisSouth Dakota beat No. 8/10 North DakotaUIW beat No. 14/14 LamarIdaho beat No. 19/21 Northern ArizonaSouthern Utah beat No. 22/24 Austin Peay-What to do with teams like Tarleton State and SDSU?-Did we jump the gun on the NDSU vs. the field talk?-Top 4 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

NDSU vs. The Field? + Tarleton-ACU Implications + Playoff Seed Scenarios

Oct 28th, 2025 4:29 PM

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 9-NDSU rolls SDSU, James Conway breaks an FCS career record, Michael Wortham is a star, and UTRGV continues to impress-Is it NDSU vs. the field? And where does SDSU go from here?-Big implications this week for No. 2/2 Tarleton State at No. 24/25 Abilene Christian-A look at Top 8 playoff seed scenariosThe podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Dakota Marker Week Is Here As No. 1 NDSU and No. 2 SDSU Square Off

Oct 21st, 2025 6:45 PM

On this episode, Sam and Zach discuss:-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 8-No. 1/1 NDSU at No. 2/2 SDSU preview. How crucial is Chase Mason’s status in this game? What are the key matchups? And what are the implications?-No. 18/20 Illinois State at No. 21/NR South Dakota preview. A huge matchup for playoff hopes.-No. 4/4 Montana at Sac State preview. A major game, plus some antics adding more drama.-No. 3/3 Tarleton State at Eastern Kentucky preview. Can Tarleton keep it rolling?The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit HERO Sports for FCS coverage and BetMGM for online betting odds.

Thoughts On The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10

Oct 15th, 2025 7:42 PM

On this episode, Sam discusses the FCS playoff committee's Top 10 ranking. He breaks down the order of teams, their resumes, and some teams just on the outside.

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