Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

Special teams were a major issue for YSU last season, directly impacting several key games. In this episode, we break down what went wrong, including coverage breakdowns, fake punt struggles, and inconsistent execution. We also dive into a full offseason reset under new coordinator Thomas Fletcher, departures at key specialist positions, and the young players stepping into major roles. From Evan Anderson at punter to Lynn Wyche-El in the return game, there are plenty of new faces that could reshape this unit. The big question: can YSU turn special teams from a liability into a legitimate strength in 2025?
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If there’s one unit that could define YSU’s offense this season, it’s the offensive line.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I break down a rare strength in today’s college football landscape — continuity up front. The Penguins return their entire starting offensive line, bringing experience, chemistry, and proven production back to the trenches.
We dive into:
Why returning all five starters is such a major advantage in the MVFC
The impact of veteran leaders like Desmeal Leigh, Van Keen, and Isaac Perkins
How last season’s rotations built valuable depth across the unit
Key players to watch and how this group fits into the offense as a whole
Plus, we debate where this unit stacks up historically and which linemen are most critical to YSU’s success this season.
If YSU’s offense takes the next step in 2026, it will start with this group.
🎙️ Hosted by Gino Leone🐧 Penguin Nation Fans Podcast

Youngstown State’s tight end room quietly became one of the most interesting position groups on the roster last season.
What started as a two-man rotation quickly changed when injuries opened the door for unexpected contributors. Alex McDonald and Micheal Manna stepped up in a big way, combining for key receptions and touchdowns while establishing themselves as legitimate weapons in the offense.
Now heading into 2026, YSU returns a strong core at the position with Austin Bray, McDonald, and Manna leading the way.
But the real intrigue may come from the next wave of players. Maddox Bloomgren, Alex Reese, and Max Welter all bring size, athleticism, and potential to a tight end room that suddenly has more depth than expected.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Podcast, we break down:
The surprise breakout from Alex McDonald • Micheal Manna’s emergence and future role • Why Austin Bray could still be a key piece of the offense • The dark horse tight ends pushing for playing time • Why tight ends could play a bigger role in the offense in 2026
Plus, we debate who will lead the tight end room in receiving and whether a breakout season could be coming from this group.
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Youngstown State’s wide receiver room will look completely different in 2026.
The Penguins lost their top two targets from last season with Max Tomczak graduating after a 1,000-yard campaign and Flash Wilson transferring to UConn. That leaves major production to replace — and YSU attacked the transfer portal to do it.
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Podcast, I break down the entire receiver room heading into spring football.
Topics include:• How YSU replaces Tomczak’s reliability and Wilson’s big-play ability• Impact transfers like Lynn Wyche-El, Lorenzo Jenkins, Connor Smith, and Bryan Hunt• Returning players who could take a leap this season• Which receiver might become Beau Brungard’s new go-to target• A hot take on who will lead the Penguins in receiving yards in 2026
Could this year’s group actually be deeper than last season’s?
Tune in as I preview one of the most intriguing position battles of YSU’s spring camp.
🐧 Presented by the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast
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Spring preview season continues on the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast.
In this episode, we break down Youngstown State’s running back room heading into the 2026 season. With Jaden Gilbert returning as the lead back and sixth-year senior Tahir Mills expected to play a bigger role, the Penguins have a mix of proven production and intriguing young talent.
We also discuss how Mike Yurcich’s offensive system has changed the way YSU uses its running backs, why Gilbert became such a key weapon in the passing game, and which younger players could emerge this season.
Topics include:• The evolution of YSU’s rushing attack• Jaden Gilbert’s impact in Yurcich’s offense• Tahir Mills’ experience and leadership• Donald Barksdale and Antuan Gardner as breakout candidates• Key questions for the Penguins’ ground game in 2026
Follow the show and stay tuned as the Spring Preview series continues.
Hosted by Gino Leone.
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Spring football is right around the corner, and position battles are beginning to take shape in Youngstown State’s quarterback room.
While reigning Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard has already secured the starting job after a historic 2025 season, the competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot is wide open heading into spring practices.
In this episode, we break down the key names to watch in the backup quarterback battle, including Miami-area recruit Malachi “Bubba” Lewis and Cincinnati transfer Zebulin Kinsey, two early contenders with impressive résumés. We also take a look at several intriguing dark horse candidates like Colin Seibert, Shane Cole, and Cason Diiulio.
Who has the inside track to become Brungard’s primary backup? And which young quarterback could emerge during spring practices?
We dive into the competition and what it could mean for YSU’s offense heading into the 2026 season.
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In this episode of the YSU Spring Football Preview Series, we take a deep dive into the Penguins' secondary heading into the 2026 season.
After a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw Youngstown State surrender over 250 passing yards per game, the defensive backfield has undergone a complete overhaul. With all five starters gone and new defensive coordinator Ryan Riemedio in place, the coaching staff turned to the transfer portal to rebuild the unit.
We break down all six defensive back transfers—including Power Four addition Cam Smith, physical safety Raleigh Collins III, and versatile hybrid defender Julius Jackson—while also highlighting key returners like Jussiah Williams-West, Weston Sturzinger, and Jordan Rudolph.
Can this rebuilt secondary fix the pass defense issues from last season? And which players could emerge as starters by the time the season kicks off?
Tune in for a full breakdown and what to watch as YSU spring football approaches.
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YSU’s linebacker room took a big step forward in 2025 — but can the Penguins build even more depth in 2026?
In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone continues the Spring Football Preview Series by breaking down the linebacker position. Returning standouts Carston Marshall and Graydon Rollins headline the unit, while transfers Danny Inglis and Danny Nittoli add intriguing competition. Plus, several young defenders could push for bigger roles this spring.
With spring practice beginning March 17th and the Red-White Spring Game set for April 18th, Gino discusses the key storylines, position battles, and players to watch as YSU prepares for the upcoming season.
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YSU spring football coverage begins with a deep dive into the defensive line, one of the most improved units on the roster last season.
In this episode, I break down returning stars like Michael Wells and Ebony Curry Jr., key interior questions, and the impact of transfer additions Jordan Pritchard-Sewell and Conlan Greene.
Plus, I discuss the projected starting lineup, depth pieces, and the biggest question facing the unit heading into spring ball.
Spring practice begins March 17, with the Spring Game set for April 18.
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New episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast is out now! 🎙️
I’m previewing the Horizon League Tournament and breaking down Youngstown State’s First Round matchup at Robert Morris. Can the Penguins regroup after two tough losses and make a run in March?
I dive into:• The new Horizon League Tournament format• What went wrong for YSU down the stretch• Key stats from both RMU matchups• Keys to the game for the Penguins to pull the upset
Listen now and don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!
#GoGuins
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