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 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 five years and has a degree in Multimedia Journalism from NMU where he currently works as the Digital Media Manager in charge of all photo, video, and graphic design content for Northern’s 18 varsity athletic teams.

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 began his playing career as a quarterback at Simpson College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned his MBA and joined the Falcons coaching staff in 2023. In 2024 he returned to Simpson to coach wide receivers, bringing his journey full circle. After stepping away from coaching he founded Sizzle Media, a creative production agency specializing in storytelling for sports, tourism, and small businesses. He also hosts The Left Hash Call, a podcast featuring raw and candid conversations with coaches about the game and lives shaped by it.

Jimmy 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 finishing his masters in school counseling with a goal of staying involved in the game as a coach at the high school level.

Matt 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, and will be finishing his Master's in Strategic & Digital Communications from the University of Tennessee at the end of this year. Matt is currently serving as the Sports Information Director back at DWU.

Tim 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 a Content Creator for a Connecticut-based marketing agency and contributes as an analyst covering Division II football.

Drew 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.

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 won't be our home forever, but serves as the perfect place to bring you all the best stories in D2, D3 & NAIA football.

A SHOW FOR THE PLAYERS, BY THE PLAYERS

​Welcome to Division 1 Rejects, your top independent source for all things small college football.

Kobe Manzo

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.

Welcome to Division 1 Rejects, your top independent source for all things small college football.