Get the edge on everything FCS football with The FCS Edge. Join expert national FCS writers Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell each week as they break down the biggest stories, standout performances and rising programs from across FCS college football.
From in-depth analysis of the Top 25 to game-changing matchups and players making noise, The FCS Edge gives you the insight and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and be sure to visit https://theanalyst.com/competition/fcs-football/articles for even more coverage and data-driven stories from the world of FCS college football.
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Get the edge on everything FCS football with The FCS Edge. Join expert national FCS writers Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell each week as they break down the biggest stories, standout performances and rising programs from across FCS college football.
From in-depth analysis of the Top 25 to game-changing matchups and players making noise, The FCS Edge gives you the insight and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and be sure to visit https://theanalyst.com/competition/fcs-football/articles for even more coverage and data-driven stories from the world of FCS college football.
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
The FCS Edge
Get the edge on everything FCS football with The FCS Edge. Join expert national FCS writers Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell each week as they break down the biggest stories, standout performances and rising programs from across FCS college football.
From in-depth analysis of the Top 25 to game-changing matchups and players making noise, The FCS Edge gives you the insight and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and be sure to visit https://theanalyst.com/competition/fcs-football/articles for even more coverage and data-driven stories from the world of FCS college football.
