Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
YSU vs. Kentucky Preview | Can the Penguins Compete With the Wildcats?
After a dominant 43-10 win over Mercyhurst, Youngstown State faces its biggest test of the 2026 season as the Penguins travel to take on the Kentucky Wildcats.
In this episode, we break down the matchup from both sides of the ball, including Kentucky’s new head coach Will Stein, quarterback Kenny Minchey, running back CJ Baxter, and a talented group of receivers led by Nic Anderson.
We also take a closer look at Kentucky’s defense, including former South Dakota and MVFC standout Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, and discuss how YSU can attack the Wildcats.
Plus, we discuss the three biggest keys to the game:
Protect Beau Brungard
Stop CJ Baxter and the Kentucky rushing attack
Avoid giving up explosive plays
Can YSU make this a competitive game against an SEC opponent? We break it all down ahead of kickoff.
🐧 Penguin Nation Fans Podcast🏈 Youngstown State Football

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst: 43-10 Season-Opening Win
The Penguins are officially 1-0.
Youngstown State opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion, cruising past Mercyhurst 43-10 in the season opener. In this episode, we break down YSU's performance across all three phases and look ahead to the Kentucky matchup.
The offense showed just how many weapons it has, racking up 484 total yards while going 9-of-13 on third down. Beau Brungard once again showcased his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground, finishing with 351 total yards and five touchdowns.
The defense may have been the biggest positive takeaway. YSU held Mercyhurst to just 29 rushing yards, recorded eight tackles for loss and forced two interceptions in the first game under new defensive coordinator Ryan Riemedio and his new 3-4 scheme.
Special teams had some bright spots but also made several mistakes that need to be cleaned up moving forward.
We'll break down the biggest takeaways from the 43-10 victory and discuss what this performance means heading into YSU's much tougher matchup against Kentucky.

Go Guins!

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst Game Preview
Week Zero is finally here! The Youngstown State Penguins open the 2026 season at home against Mercyhurst in a rematch of last year's 24-15 victory.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, we break down the Lakers heading into Thursday night's matchup, including their quarterback competition, key returning players, new additions, and defensive personnel.
We also revisit last year's game, discuss the biggest matchups to watch, and give our keys to a YSU victory.
Can the Penguins start the 2026 season with a statement win?
YSU vs. Mercyhurst — Thursday, August 27 at Stambaugh Stadium.
#GoGuins #YSUFootball #BeatMercyhurst

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Recapping the final scrimmage of fall camp for YSU. 

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
YSU Football 2026 Special Teams Preview
Special teams was one of the biggest weaknesses for Youngstown State in 2025. Can the Penguins turn things around in 2026?
In this episode, we preview YSU’s special teams unit, including:
Andrew Lastovka returning at kicker
Josh Wilkins returning as the kickoff specialist
YSU’s biggest coverage issues from 2025
The impact of losing Brendon Kilpatrick and Flash Wilson
New Special Teams Coordinator Thomas Fletcher
Fletcher’s impressive 2025 season at West Alabama
The biggest questions facing YSU’s special teams in 2026
Can Thomas Fletcher transform the Penguins into a more reliable special teams unit?
🎙️ Penguin Nation Fans Podcast🏈 Youngstown State Football

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Article: https://www.redshirtsports.xyz/2026-mvfc-preseason-power-rankings
2026 MVFC Preseason Power Rankings
The Missouri Valley Football Conference is wide open entering the 2026 season following North Dakota State’s departure to the Mountain West.
In this episode, I break down all nine MVFC teams, predict each team’s conference and overall record, and reveal my pick to win the 2026 MVFC championship.
Can Youngstown State take the next step and win the conference? Will South Dakota State remain at the top? Or could North Dakota, Southern Illinois, or another contender make a run?
Plus, I highlight the biggest games that could shape the conference race and explain why the 2026 MVFC could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Go Guins! 🐧

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Youngstown State's cornerback room is one of the biggest storylines of fall camp. After losing its entire starting secondary to graduation and the transfer portal, the Penguins are searching for new starters ahead of the season opener against Mercyhurst.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I break down why the cornerback battle matters, how new defensive coordinator Ryan Riemedio could reshape the secondary, and which players are emerging as contenders. I also discuss transfers Dev Holman, Darvens Tunis, Julius Jackson, Jordan Rudolph's return from injury, and why this position group could determine how far YSU goes in 2026.

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
Fall Camp is officially underway in Youngstown!
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, we break down everything you need to know after the first day of YSU Football's 2026 fall camp.
Topics include:
My projected starting lineup on offense and defense
Why the Penguins have championship expectations in 2026
Ryan Riemedio's new 3-4 defensive scheme
Thomas Fletcher's impact on special teams
The battle to become Beau Brungard's go-to receiver
Whether YSU has finally fixed its secondary
The biggest question surrounding linebacker depth
As the countdown to the August 27 season opener against Mercyhurst continues, we discuss the key storylines that could define the Penguins' season.
Subscribe to Penguin Nation for fall camp reports, game previews, recruiting coverage, interviews, and everything Youngstown State Football.

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
The Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll is officially here, and Youngstown State opens the 2026 season ranked No. 3.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I break down the official MVFC preseason poll, discuss why I believe the Penguins are being slightly overlooked, and reveal my own conference power rankings heading into the season.
Topics include:
Full reaction to the MVFC preseason poll
Why South Dakota State earned the top spot
Why Youngstown State deserved stronger first-place consideration
Concerns surrounding Illinois State and South Dakota
Why North Dakota and Southern Illinois could surprise
My complete 2026 MVFC preseason rankings
YSU's preseason national honors, including Beau Brungard, Mike Wells, Desmeal Leigh, and Andrew Lastovka
What must happen for the Penguins to compete for an MVFC title—and a national championship
Listen now and let me know: Where would you rank Youngstown State in the MVFC heading into 2026?