Some teams look like they’re in midseason form, others are trying to resist hitting the panic button. In “The FCS Edge,” episode 5, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are assessing the way different teams have made a start to the FCS season.

One team that only knows success to date is UTRGV. Coach Travis Bush joins the show as a special guest to discuss the Vaqueros’ fast start and the buildup to their program’s inaugural season.

• A coaching philosophy that focuses on developing young men, not just winning games.
• Recruiting in Texas is crucial for building a successful program.
• Getting facilities in place from the start a key part of the early success.
• Areas of improvement have been highlighted ahead of conference play.

Elsewhere in the show, Craig and Zach look forward to the Week 3 schedule, with their ever-popular Pick 'Ems segment. With Zach turning himself into somewhat of a road warrior, The FCS Edge certainly has it all this episode.

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.

00:00 - Introduction to FCS Football Highlights 00:57 - South Dakota State vs. Montana State Showdown 05:41 - Top 25 and Who Shouldn't Press The Panic Button 08:53 - The Impact of the 12-Game Schedule 13:38 - Ivy League's Playoff Prospects 17:18 - UTRGV Head Coach Travis Bush Joins The Show 31:59 - Week 3 Pick 'Ems 43:42 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Whether it’s the good, bad or ugly, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are all over the Top 25 rankings rumblings in “The FCS Edge,” episode 4. That No. 2 South Dakota State and No. 3 Montana State are meeting in a playoff-like showdown is a highlight, but the breakdown goes much deeper this week. Who’s too high and who’s too low?

Also, CAA Football commissioner Joe D’Antonio joins the show as a special guest to discuss the conference and its many changes.

• Tarleton State has emerged as a standout team early in the season.
• The importance of maintaining a balanced conference schedule is crucial.
• CAA expansion discussions are ongoing, focusing on adding competitive programs.
• The FloSports deal has positively impacted the CAA's visibility and finances.
• FCS football is evolving with the influence of NIL and scholarship changes.
• The CAA playoff race is more challenging due to increased competition in the conference.
• Key matchups this week could significantly impact playoff standings.
• The hosts weigh the importance of on-field results versus projections in the rankings.

From Top 25 rankings rumblings to CAA expansion talks and playoff implications, Episode 4 of The FCS Edge has it all — don’t miss Craig Haley, Zach McKinnell and special guest Joe D’Antonio breaking it all down.

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.

00:00 Week One Recap and Impressive Performances 03:53 Top 25 Rankings Rumblings 08:49 Conference Dynamics and Team Projections 12:08 Who Needs to Take a Step Forward in Week 2? 16:08 Week 1 National Awards 16:43 Commissioner Joe D'Antonio Joins the Show 36:51 Week 2 Pick'ems

They filled up pretty well on the appetizers when the 2025 FCS football season kicked off last weekend. But in “The FCS Edge,” episode 3, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell go all in with the full course of Week 1 action.

The schedule of games is delicious, including potential FCS vs. FBS upsets. Plus, Stan Becton from NCAA.com visits as a special guest to continue our preview and predictions for the entire season ahead.

• Week 0 provided insights into under-the-radar players and teams.
• Potential dark horse teams include Southern Illinois and Illinois State.
• FCS-vs.-FBS matchups are crucial for gaining national attention.
• North Carolina Central's offensive line showed great potential in its last game.
• Tarleton State's shutout win sets it up for a strong matchup against Army.
• The Walter Payton Award candidates include quarterbacks Aidan Bouman (South Dakota) and Derek Robertson (Monmouth).
• Lehigh aims to make a statement against Richmond in the season's first Patriot League game.
• Sacramento State's new go-go offense will be tested against South Dakota State's defense.
• The SWAC has a chance to end a long FBS losing streak this season.

Week 1 is here — FCS upsets, dark horses and bold predictions are on deck. This is the episode you can’t miss.

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.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 00:55 Under-the-Radar Players in Week 0 02:10 Week 0 Review 10:38 NDSU Season Gets Underway 11:14 FCS-vs-FBS Picks 17:56 Stan Becton Joins The Show 19:14 Playoff Dark Horses 20:16 Key HBCU Storylines 26:37 Walter Payton Picks 27:44 Buck Buchanan Picks 30:22 Week 1 Pick 'Ems.