Get the popcorn ready, it’s the 2025 season debut of “The FCS Edge” podcast.

The new season brings a new podcast name, as co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell take you inside the Division I subdivision with their bold takes. In “The FCS Edge,” episode 1, they’ll review the Top 25 poll, make conference title predictions and analyze preseason watchlists.

OK, make that two buckets of popcorn as they cover:

• Why North Dakota State remains a contender despite recent losses
• How the competitive FCS landscape is creating new emerging powers
• Montana State's solid foundation and returning talent for 2025
• UIW's potential - and the tough matchups they must survive
• The challenges South Dakota faces under a new coaching staff
• Dark horse playoff teams to watch
• The competitive Ivy League, with Harvard as a strong contender
• Conference predictions - and why outcomes could surprise
• Key players on preseason watchlists

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 TheAnalyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to FCS Edge Podcast 02:48 North Dakota State's Dominance and Challenges 05:50 The Health of FCS and Emerging Contenders 08:47 Analyzing the Top Five Teams 11:37 Coaching Changes and Their Impact 14:54 Underrated Teams and Dark Horses 17:47 Looking Ahead to Conference Championships 22:17 Our Conference Picks and Predictions 22:46 Ivy League Championship Predictions 24:22 Conference Champion Predictions and Analysis 25:47 SoCon Championship Discussion 29:30 Northeast Conference Insights 31:23 Pioneer Football League Predictions 33:13 Big Sky Conference Playoff Potential 36:26 Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan Award Watchlists 46:00 Closing Thoughts