A SHOW FOR THE PLAYERS, BY THE PLAYERS
Welcome to Division 1 Rejects, your top independent source for all things small college football.
Giving a platform to undervalued athletes across the country, we’ve been producing content since 2020 and have provided teams and players with the professional coverage they deserve across D2, D3 & NAIA. We want to generate buzz and excitement, but we aren’t here for clicks; our mission is storytelling and our medium is talking with the players, coaches and others involved with the greatest sport on Earth.
Kobe Manzo
Founder & Host - Division 1 Rejects
Kobe Manzo started D1 Rejects in his college dorm room during his first year at Northern Michigan University where he played running back for the Wildcats. He has written and produced every episode of the show over the last six years and has a degree in Multimedia Journalism from NMU where he worked as the Digital Media Manager before making the move to Madison, WI and working for the Badgers in NIL & Sponsored content.
Meet the Crew
Meet the group that helps make D1R a reality. We have a group of passionate former college players that love the game of football.
Seth Howard is a former college QB, coach, and entrepreneur who has built his career around storytelling. Seth serves as a Co-Host and is the Creative Content Director for D1R.
After playing quarterback at Simpson College and the UW–River Falls, Seth began coaching before founding Sizzle Media, an independent media company focused on producing branded partnerships & and digital content. Seth is also the host of The Left Hash Call, where he sits down with football coaches from D3 to the Power Four, to explore coaching philosophy and the journeys that define the profession. His work is driven by a passion for preserving the stories, traditions, and people that make football matter.
Jimmy Martin started his playing career at Northern Michigan University before transferring and playing two years at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the country’s toughest D3 conference (WIAC). The quarterback turned wide receiver previously trained at Throw It Deep and has connections across the country at all levels of football. He got his undergrad in pre-clinical psychology and is now a school counselor and football coach in the Chicago suburbs. He also currently works as a QB coach at QB Era mentoring the next generation of signal callers.
Matt Schwaerzler has been covering NAIA football since 2021 for both D1R and NAIAFBALL. He spent four years as a fullback at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, graduating with degrees in Digital Media & Design and Business Administration in 2023. In December 2025, Matt earned his Master's in Communication & Information from the University of Tennessee. Matt is currently serving as the Sports Information Director at DWU.
Tim O'Shea is a former Division I and Division II tight end who played at the University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from SCSU. Tim is the creator and host of his own football channel and podcast, where he shares his deep knowledge of the game — from the NFL to college football. He currently works as the Digital Media Director for Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and contributes as an analyst covering Division II football.
Drew Carpenter played four years at Northwood University as a safety before transferring to Michigan Tech for his 5th year and starting his MBA. A Finance graduate from Northwood, Drew is currently working as an apprentice while earning his certifications to become a financial advisor. He also coaches the defensive backs and running backs at his alma mater, Oxford High School, where he helps develop the next generation of players while building his career off the field.
Mike Shoultz has been covering D3 football since 2022 after playing DB and WR at UW-Eau Claire. Mike is a co-host & founder of the podcast “The D3 Spread Option” focused on D3 football game picks using analytical point spreads. He is also a D3football.com contributor, where he creates playoff previews, matchup predictions, and more. While in college he launched his first company as a start-up from his Sophomore apartment. Using his degree in Business Marketing & Communication, has helped turn that start-up into his full time career.
D1R started in a dorm room in the fall of 2020 and was very close to being branded as "D2 Dorm Talk", but we knew we'd outgrow that name. Inspired by Pat McAfee, Kobe invested in podcast equipment and continues to aim to bring the same energy and excitement to the small school CFB world on a weekly basis.
From there, episodes were recorded in kitchens, living rooms, basements and vehicles until the creation of our own studio that debuted in D1R 54. The hand-built studio was made with reclaimed wood and lots of other Facebook marketplace or curbside finds that reflect the same underdog mindset of small school athletes, but the presentation, much like their game, is first class.
The studio has undergone lots of tweaks and changes to bring you the best production possible, and leaving it was difficult but the show goes on!