The Preferred Walk-On Show is a sports podcast hosted by Seth Saunders and James Kehm, celebrating the stories, rivalries, and traditions that make college sports unforgettable. Sitting on the Deacon Board for the Church of Tailgate and self-proclaimed Minsters of Culture for college sports, the show blends expert analysis, cultural commentary, and fan-driven passion into one dynamic weekly experience. Each episode dives deep into the biggest games, legendary programs, and hidden gems across the FBS and FCS landscapes — featuring interviews with coaches, players, and insiders who shape the sport.
Championship stakes meets storied rivalry in Bozeman, Montana this weekend.
This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders is joined by Montana State Head Coach Brent Vigen as the Bobcats prepare for a playoff semifinal showdown against Montana — the first-ever postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, which observers have dubbed the Super Brawl.
Coach Vigen offers rare insight into how Montana State has built one of the most disciplined, physical, and resilient programs in the FCS — and what it takes to prepare for a rivalry game with championship stakes.
๐ฅ The Super Brawl — what makes a playoff Brawl of the Wild different
๐พ Bobcat Culture — discipline, toughness, and a standard of excellence
๐ง Coaching Philosophy — leading with consistency and clarity
๐งฒ Recruiting the Right Fit — traits Montana State looks for beyond talent
๐ Team Growth — how this group evolved into a championship contender
๐ Preparation for Montana — focus, execution, and emotional control
๐ฌ Football & Life Lessons — character, accountability, and excellence
This is a masterclass in leadership, rivalry preparation, and program building — delivered by one of the most respected coaches in the FCS.
Support Coach Vigen and the Bobcats in every way you can:
Montana State Bobcats Football on Twitter/X
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Montana State Bobcats Football
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
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The College Football Playoff has arrived — and The Preferred Walk-On Show is ready.
Host Seth Saunders is joined by Chris Marler to break down the Opening Round of the CFP, analyzing matchups, storylines, key players, and betting angles with insight and humor.
๐ CFP Opening Round:
๐ฃ JMU vs. Oregon — can the Dukes hold their own against the mighty Ducks
๐ Alabama vs. Oklahoma — a rematch of the regular season clash between the Tide and Sooner
๐ Tulane vs. Ole Miss — another regular season rematch where the Rebels look to start fast and dispatch the Green Wave
๐ Miami vs. Texas A&M — are the Aggies a paper tiger? Can Carson Beck and Mario Cristobal rise up under the bright playoff lights?
They also discuss:
Support Chris in every way you can and be sure to check out his latest episodes and articles:
Chris's Articles - LouisianaSports.net
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
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In this playoff edition of The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders welcomes South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen to discuss the Coyotes’ mindset, culture, and preparation heading into a crucial postseason matchup against the Mercer Bears.
Coach Johansen shares:
๐ด Resilience & Maturity — the traits that define this USD team
๐ช Coyotes Culture — why toughness and selflessness are non-negotiables
๐ง His First Year as Head Coach — challenges, lessons, and growth
๐ Mercer Game Plan — what will decide the playoff showdown
๐๏ธ Community Support — why Vermillion and the Coyote family are vital to USD's success
๐ฌ Life Advice to His Younger Self — the importance of patience and presence (“Be where your feet are”)
This is an inspiring episode about building something meaningful, leading with purpose, and embracing the journey.
Support Coach Johansen and the Yotes in every way you can:
South Dakota Coyotes Football on Twitter/X
South Dakota Coyotes Football on Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
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This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders sits down with Villanova Head Coach Mark Ferrante, a cornerstone of the Wildcats football program for nearly four decades. From his early days under Coach Andy Talley to leading Villanova back into the postseason spotlight, Ferrante shares a lifetime of perspective, purpose, and passion for the game.
Fresh off a big opening-round FCS playoff victory over Harvard, Coach Ferrante breaks down what’s made this year’s team special — and what lies ahead in their next postseason battle against Lehigh.
๐พ 40 Years of Villanova Football – Ferrante’s full-circle coaching journey and foundational mentors
๐ฅ Opening Round Win vs. Harvard – how preparation, discipline, and resilience powered the Wildcats
๐ FCS Playoff Outlook – keys to beating Lehigh and maintaining postseason momentum
๐ง Coaching Philosophy – lessons learned from his father and the legendary Andy Talley
๐ค Team Leadership & Culture – the backbone of Villanova’s identity
๐ QB Pat McQuaide’s Impact – why the Nicholls State transfer elevated the program
๐ The Importance of Community Support – why Villanova football thrives when the Wildcat family shows up
This is a story of legacy, loyalty, and love for the game — delivered by one of the most respected figures in FCS football.
Support Coach Ferrante and the Wildcats in every way you can:
Villanova Wildcats Football on Twitter/X
Villanova Wildcats Football on Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Tailgate
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This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders welcomes Craig Stutzmann, Offensive Coordinator at San Jose State, for a deep and heartfelt conversation about football, faith, and growth.
Coach Stutzmann shares:
๐บ The Aloha Spirit in Coaching — how Hawaii’s values of respect, humility, and community shape his leadership
๐ The Journey — from Hawaii to Emory & Henry and beyond, with lessons learned along the way
โก The ‘Spread N' Shred’ Offense — a perfect marriage of offensive concepts built on tempo, creativity, and trust, and the "North Shore in the Appalachian Mountains" that helped it happen
๐ง Mentors & Influences — the coaches and experiences that molded his philosophy
๐ฌ Communication & Integrity — why positivity and resilience are central to his program
๐ญ Advice to His Younger Self — pursuing passion, embracing growth, and living with no regrets
๐ง It’s part storytelling, part masterclass — a reminder that great football starts with great people.
Support Coach Stutzmann and the Spartans in every way you can:
San Jose State Football on Twitter/X
San Jose State Football on Instagram
San Jose State Spartans Football
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
โ
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
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This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders welcomes Mercer Head Coach Mike Jacobs for an in-depth conversation about leadership, growth, and the rise of Mercer football.
Coach Jacobs opens up about:
๐ His journey from walk-on at Ohio State to Mercer head coach
๐ช Building a winning culture built on trust, discipline, and resilience
๐ฅ How he knew this year’s Mercer team had the potential to be special
๐ซ The rise of freshman QB Braden Atkinson and what makes him special
โ๏ธ Previewing the Western Carolina matchup and the challenges the Catamounts present
๐ญ The legacy and life lessons he hopes to leave with his players
๐ง It’s the story of a coach who’s been where his players are — and built something lasting from the ground up.
Support Coach Jacobs and the Bears in every way you can:
Mercer Bears Football on Twitter/X
Mercer Bear Football on Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
โ
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
๐ป Share this episode with your tailgate crew
In this episode of The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders welcomes Dan Jackson, Head Coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, and competition at the highest level of FCS football.
Coach Jackson opens up about:
๐ The Dakota Marker Rivalry — the history, pride, and preparation behind one of college football’s fiercest matchups
๐ช Team Culture & Leadership — how the Jackrabbits maintain excellence year after year
๐ง Coaching Philosophy — lessons learned from a lifetime in football and how they shape his approach
๐ Preparation & Process — how South Dakota State stays focused and disciplined through the grind of the season
๐ค Community & Relationships — the role of fans, family, and trust in sustaining success
๐ง It’s a deep look into what makes South Dakota State one of the most respected programs in college football — and the man leading it forward.
Support Coach Jackson and the Jackrabbits in every way you can:
South Dakota State Jackrabbits Football
Jackrabbits Football Twitter/X
Jackrabbits Football Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
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The FCS landscape is as exciting as ever — and this week, Preferred Walk-On host Seth Saunders welcomes Craig Haley (Stats Perform, The Analyst) to break down the rivalries, storylines, and stars shaping the 2025 season.
Together they discuss:
๐ Dakota Marker Showdown: North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State — the rivalry that defines the FCS
๐พ Missouri Valley Power: How NDSU, SDSU, and North Dakota are separating themselves
๐ Presbyterian’s Unlikely Rise: From underdog to Top 25 contender
โก Taron Dickens: Western Carolina’s QB lighting up the FCS and chasing the Payton Award
๐ค William & Mary’s CAA Run & Patriot League Future
๐ด Tarleton State’s Emergence: Building a program with purpose
๐๏ธ Nashville’s Championship Stage: Why this year’s FCS title race feels more open than ever
๐ง If you love FCS football, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
Support Craig in every way you can:
The Analyst - the Best FCS Coverage
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
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This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders sits down with Head Coach Steve Englehart of the Presbyterian Blue Hose, who has led his team to a 6–0 start, the longest winning streak in the country, and a spot in the Top 25.
Coach Englehart opens up about:
๐ช Building a Winning Culture — how belief, unity, and discipline drive the Blue Hose
๐ชข The “Pull the Rope” Philosophy — the mindset behind Presbyterian’s success
๐ Recruiting Without Scholarships — developing players who buy into the mission
๐ค Community Support — how fans, alumni, and families fuel the program
๐ค Personal Reflections — growth, leadership, and what he’s learned as a coach and teammate
This is a conversation about belief, connection, and perseverance — everything that makes college football special. Coach Englehart’s message is one every fan should hear.
Support Coach Englehart and the Blue Hose in every way you can:
Presbyterian Blue Hose Football
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
โ
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โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
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This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders sits down with Shehan Jeyarajah, senior writer at CBS Sports, to unpack one of the most inspiring stories in college football this season — the rise of Trinidad Chambliss.
They explore:
๐ Chambliss’s journey from 0-star recruit to Division II national champion and Ole Miss quarterback in the thick of the CFP race
๐ก Player development & coaching dynamics — how mentorship and system fit shape success
๐ฐ NIL & Transfer Portal era — how modern college football is redefining opportunity
๐ฏ Emerging coaches — who is positioned to become the next Curt Cignetti?
๐ง It’s a story about perseverance, opportunity, and honoring your gift.
Support Shehan in every way you can and be sure to read his feature article on Trinidad Chambliss and share with your college football loving friends:
The People and Places That Made Trinidad Chambliss
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
๐ง Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
โ
Tap Follow/Subscribe
โญ๏ธ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Congregation
๐ป Share this episode with your tailgate crew