The Jerry Rice Award has a strong history of recipients since its inception in 2011, but during the 2020s decade, five of the first six standouts to be named FCS national freshman player of the year have made a transfer to the FBS level – all but Montana All-America running back Eli Gillman.

On The FCS Edge, the 2023 Rice recipient joins host Craig Haley to discuss why he’s stayed in Missoula. Gillman also looks ahead to Montana being a national title contender, how he’s nearing the school’s all-time rushing yardage record, and why he’s a Grizzly and not a Bison.

• Eli feels time has flown by during his college years.
• The off-season training has been going well with new teammates.
• Coach Bobby Kennedy maintains the Montana football brand while adding his own style.
• Eli values team success over individual records.
• Improvement in understanding the pace of the game has been key for Eli.
• Managing the physical toll of the season is crucial for longevity.
• Eli believes he has an underrated elusiveness on the field.
• Winning the Jerry Rice Award boosted Eli's confidence and goals.
• Eli prioritizes loyalty to Montana over potential financial gains from transferring.
• Family support has been a significant factor in Eli's success.

To catch every episode, 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.

Jump to your favorite part of our interview with Eli Gillman by using the chapter links below:

00:00 – Introduction 01:43 – Eli's journey: Reflecting on college football 03:03 – Coaching change: The impact on team dynamics 06:00 – Personal goals: Chasing records and team success 09:03 – The pressure of transferring and staying true to roots 12:00 – Family and support: The foundation of success 14:55 – The rivalry: Montana vs. Montana State 18:02 – Looking ahead: Goals for the senior year

After Youngstown State’s Beau Brungard became just the third FCS quarterback to have both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season, he seeks to become just the third to win the Walter Payton Award for a second time in 2026.

On The FCS Edge, host Craig Haley discusses that challenge with Brungard, how he was destined to lead the Penguins squad, and how good the upcoming season can be for both of them.

• Beau reflects on winning the 2025 Walter Payton Award and staying hungry after the honor.
• He looks back on his rare 3,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing season.
• Beau explains what he enjoys most about being a true dual-threat quarterback.
• He breaks down his memorable 50-yard touchdown reception.
• He discusses how Youngstown State’s offense fits his skill set.
• Beau talks about lessons from the 2025 playoff loss to Yale.
• He shares why Youngstown State means so much to him and his family.
• He explains why he and other key Penguins stayed despite NIL and transfer interest.

To catch every episode, 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.

Jump to your favorite part of our interview with Beau Brungard by using the chapter links below:

00:10 Welcome to FCS Edge 02:00 Spring semester reflections and achievements 04:55 Significance of the Walter Payton Award 07:54 Quarterback training and development 10:43 Team dynamics and learning from past seasons 13:54 Looking ahead: The 2026 season 16:53 Personal life and future aspirations 20:01 NIL and team commitment

NFL Draft expert Eric Galko is on the clock. Our guest on The FCS Edge – from the East-West Shrine Bowl and Optimum Scouting – gives host Craig Haley an inside look at top FCS prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Eric also discusses who’s under the radar, the evaluation process, draft leader NDSU’s move from the FCS, and much more.

• FCS prospects in the NFL Draft
• Impact of transfers from FCS to FBS
• Scouting strategies for small school players
• Top FCS players in the 2026 draft class
• Role of the East-West Shrine Bowl in player evaluation

To catch every episode, 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.

Sometimes fantasy football is real life. Just ask Chicago State football coach Bobby Rome II, who’s been building his FCS start-up program from the ground up and toward an inaugural season in 2026.

Taking a break from the preparation, Rome joins The FCS Edge and host Craig Haley to discuss the process and what to expect from the Cougars in their debut.

• The goal is to create a sustainable football program.
• FCS football has been a significant part of Coach Rome's life.
• Recruiting players who want to build a legacy is crucial.
• Chicago's opportunities make for an attractive place for recruits.
• Creating a winning culture is essential for success.
• Community support is vital for the program's growth.
• Wins are important in the inaugural season.
• Future plans include potential stadium development.
• Alumni connections can enhance the program's visibility and appeal.

To catch every episode, 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.

FCS football is coming of a successful championship game in Nashville, Tennessee, but key decisions are on the way. The date for the final game of the 2026 season may change, and the host city beyond then is still to be determined.

To put you more in the know, The FCS Edge with host Craig Haley welcomes back Ty Halpin of the NCAA to discuss the future of the FCS championship game and its host city.

• The 2025 FCS season was marked by unexpected outcomes and increased parity.
• Nashville's hosting of the championship was well-received, with positive feedback from teams.
• The bid process for future championship hosts is competitive and encourages creativity.
• North Dakota State's move to the FBS will change the dynamics of the FCS championship.
• Engagement with local cities is crucial for enhancing the championship experience.
• The NCAA is focused on improving fan experiences during championship events.
• Weather conditions played a significant role in the success of the Nashville championship.
• The importance of planning and preparation for championship events cannot be overstated.
• Future bids will consider the unique offerings of each city to enhance the championship atmosphere.
• The FCS community continues to evolve, with new programs emerging and fan bases growing.

To catch every episode, 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.

Montana State’s overtime win over Illinois State in the FCS championship game was off-the-charts thrilling, and Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell break it down in The FCS Edge, episode 20.

As part of the 2025 season’s final episode, our co-hosts also review many of the top memories.

• Montana State's victory was a culmination of years of hard work.
• Special teams played a crucial role in the championship outcome.
• The atmosphere in Nashville was unmatched for an FCS game.
• Coaching decisions significantly impacted the game's flow.
• The playoffs showcased the depth and competitiveness of FCS football.
• Community engagement is vital for the growth of FCS football.
• The FCS national awards ceremony highlighted outstanding individual performances.
• Memorable moments from the season will resonate with fans.
• The future of FCS football looks promising with emerging programs.
• Fan support is essential for the success of FCS teams.

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 - The thrilling championship game recap
• 02:51 - Key moments and players in the game
• 05:53 - Special teams impact and decisions
• 08:59 - Atmosphere and fan engagement
• 11:53 - Contrasting styles of play
• 14:42 - Final thoughts on the season and rankings
• 17:53 - Looking ahead to future locations
• 20:43 - Awards and season highlights
• 26:22 - Evaluating the top players of the season
• 31:31 - Memorable moments and highlights of the season
• 38:14 - The future of FCS football
• 44:30 - Reflections on the season and community impact

FCS fans, take a bow, we’ve arrived in FCS championship week.

The Montana State vs. Illinois State matchup is incredible, and Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell will get you ready for it in The FCS Edge, episode 19. From keys to the game to players to watch to predictions, our co-hosts break it all down.

The Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show also will be held this week, highlighted by the announcements of the Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan awards. Master of ceremonies Dom Izzo visits the show to discuss the gala event.

• The FCS National Awards Show is a significant event for FCS football.
• Montana State and Illinois State are set for an exciting championship game.
• Key players and matchups will play a crucial role in the outcome.
• Coaching strategies will be pivotal in the championship game.
• Experience and youth dynamics will impact team performance.
• Fan engagement and attendance are expected to be high in Nashville.
• The underdog story of Illinois State adds intrigue to the matchup.
• Montana State's journey to the championship reflects its growth as a program.
• Predictions suggest a competitive game with close scores.
• The significance of the awards show highlights the talent in FCS football.

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 Championship Game
• 03:08 - Montana State vs. Illinois State: Matchup Analysis
• 05:49 - Key Players and Matchups to Watch
• 09:07 - Coaching Strategies and Experience
• 12:00 - Concerns and Potential Pitfalls
• 15:11 - FCS Championship Game Dynamics
• 18:10 - Attendance and Fan Engagement
• 21:44 - Dom Izzo Joins The Show
• 39:03 - FCS Championship Game Pick 'Em

Tighten your seat belt even more - FCS football is not for the faint of heart. One of its biggest rivalries and two party crashers fill the playoff semifinals just one week after the Celebration Bowl had its wildest finish.

In The FCS Edge, episode 18, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell try to bring clarity to it all. Emphasis on “try” because their heads are spinning, too - but they’re ready with predictions for Nashville.

• The FCS playoffs have seen unprecedented chaos this year.
• Montana State's defensive line is a key factor in its success.
• Villanova's defense has been impressive, shutting down top offenses.
• Illinois State has proven to be formidable on the road.
• The Celebration Bowl showcased the competitiveness of HBCU football.
• Coaching changes in the FCS are significant and impactful.
• The importance of establishing a run game in playoff football.
• Turnovers can be game-changers in close matchups.
• The rivalry between Montana and Montana State adds excitement to the playoffs.
• The FCS playoffs are showcasing a new level of parity.

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 - FCS playoff chaos and surprises
• 02:43 - Montana State's dominance and performance
• 05:38 - Montana Grizzlies: Rising stars and coaching brilliance
• 08:28 - Villanova's resilience and defensive prowess
• 11:32 - Illinois State's road warrior mentality
• 14:19 - South Carolina State's comeback victory
• 17:27 - MEAC vs SWAC: A historical perspective
• 21:59 - Celebration Bowl insights
• 23:03 - FCS coaching changes overview
• 28:23 - FCS semifinals preview
• 29:11 - Montana vs. Montana State matchup
• 36:58 - Illinois State vs. Villanova matchup
• 40:25 - FCS playoff parity discussion