Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone takes a comprehensive look at where Youngstown State football stands heading into the heart of the offseason.
We break down every position group on offense and defense, discussing key departures via the transfer portal and graduation, analyzing the production YSU has lost, and highlighting the core pieces returning in 2026. From an offensive line that brings back all five starters, to major turnover in the secondary, this episode provides a clear snapshot of the roster and the questions that still need to be answered.
Topics include:
Transfer portal departures and graduating starters
Offensive production lost and how YSU replaces it
Why the offensive line could be the backbone of the 2026 season
Beau Brungard’s return and the running back outlook
New faces in the wide receiver room
Front seven continuity on defense
A complete reset in the secondary and what comes next
If you’re looking for an in-depth, honest offseason evaluation of the Penguins, this episode has you covered.
⭐️ Make sure to leave the show a five-star review and follow the podcast on social media for more YSU football coverage all offseason long.
For now, I’m Gino Leone — and as always, go ’Guins! 🐧

The Penguins ring in the New Year with back-to-back heartbreakers, and on this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone breaks it all down.
YSU closes out 2025 with a tough 73–68 loss to a much-improved Detroit Mercy squad before falling 85–83 in a thrilling New Year’s Day showdown with Oakland. We dive deep into the numbers from both games, highlight key individual performances, and examine the biggest factors behind the two-game skid — from shooting struggles to missed opportunities.
Plus, an honest assessment of where this team stands right now, why consistency remains the biggest challenge, and why there’s still plenty of reason for optimism moving forward in Horizon League play.
All that and more, right here on the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast.As always, thank you for listening — and go ’Guins! 🐧

Former Youngstown State offensive lineman Jacob Zinni joins the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his football journey and life in the Mahoning Valley.
Jacob reflects on growing up in Beloit, Ohio, his standout years at West Branch High School, and how competing in both football and track & field helped shape him as an offensive lineman. He walks us through the recruiting process, what ultimately sold him on Youngstown State, and what it meant to represent the Valley at the FCS level.
We also dive into Jacob’s development at YSU — from redshirting in 2015, to being part of the 2016 national championship run, to eventually becoming a full-time starter and leader in the locker room. Along the way, Jacob shares lessons learned about consistency, preparation, leadership, and how YSU helped prepare him for life after football.
Plus, we wrap things up with some fun rapid-fire questions, including his favorite Bo Pelini moment, favorite Youngstown restaurant, and favorite game as a Penguin.
A great conversation with a true Valley product — you won’t want to miss this one.
Go ’Guins!
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The Penguin Pulse Hotline returns, and this time the focus shifts to Youngstown State men’s basketball and what it will truly take for the Penguins to punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
With conference play heating up and the new year right around the corner, we take a deep dive into recent Horizon League champions to identify the common threads behind championship runs. From dominant regular-season teams to late-season dark horses, we break down how consistency, road success, and momentum have shaped March Madness bids in the Horizon League.
We also revisit YSU’s historic 2022–23 season, reflect on last year’s tournament run, and explain why this stretch of conference play is so critical for the Penguins. Is the path to March about peaking early, catching fire late, or fighting for the #1 seed?
All that and more on this edition of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast.As always, leave a five-star review, share the show, and follow us on social media.I’m Gino Leone — and as always, go ’Guins!
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/

In the first episode of Penguin Playback, Gino Leone begins a 13-part rewatch series breaking down every Youngstown State football game from the 2025 season.
This episode revisits Week One against Mercyhurst — a game that sparked major concern among the YSU fanbase after a narrow win. By rewatching the film, we separate overreaction from reality and place the performance in proper context.
We dive into the offseason storylines surrounding new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, expectations for Beau Brungard, and early questions on both sides of the ball. From a vanilla offensive game plan and heavy QB run usage to defensive scheme changes, blitz packages, and four forced turnovers, the film tells a much more nuanced story than the box score.
This episode is about understanding how the 2025 season really began — not just what the final score said.
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/GJm4NFSEWhI?si=3hwJVb46g0pjEw_9

Youngstown State earned a 74–65 home win over USC Upstate at Zidian Family Arena. In this episode, Gino Leone recaps the Penguins’ response after a tough road loss, breaks down the key team stats, and highlights standout performances from Cris “Mr. Christmas” Carroll and Vlad Salaridze. Plus, a quick look ahead to YSU’s upcoming matchup with Detroit Mercy.
Go ’Guins! 🐧
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/

The Penguin Pulse Hotline is back after a long hiatus, and we’re diving headfirst into the current state of the Youngstown State defense as the offseason continues.
In this episode, Gino Leone breaks down:
📈 Where the 2025 defense improved compared to 2024, including major strides against the run
⚠️ Where the unit struggled, from red zone issues to late-season inconsistency
🏈 A deeper look at the secondary’s highs and lows, including the standout performance vs. North Dakota State
🔄 Roster turnover, portal losses, and what it means moving forward
🌟 Young defenders poised for bigger roles
🆕 Early impressions of high school additions and transfer DB Darvens Tunis
🔍 What to watch as the coaching staff continues to work the transfer portal
With plenty of change on the horizon, this episode sets the stage for what the Penguins’ defense could look like in 2026 and beyond.
⭐️ If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave a five-star review and follow the show on social media.For now, I’m Gino Leone — go ’Guins!

The off-season is in full swing in Youngstown and Gino is back with another episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, this time talking about Beau Brungard's decision to return home and what it means for the Youngstown State Football program. Make sure to leave a five-star review and continue to share the show. Go 'Guins!
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/

In today’s episode, Gino breaks down Youngstown State’s thrilling 69–68 win over Wright State. We dig into key team stats, standout individual performances, and the pivotal moments that swung the game in YSU’s favor. You’ll hear how the Penguins extended their winning streak over the Raiders, why rebounding proved to be a major difference-maker, and which players stepped up when it mattered most.
We also look ahead to what’s next for both squads as Horizon League play continues.
If you enjoy the show, make sure to leave a five-star review and stay connected with us on social media. Go ‘Guins!
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/

Gino breaks down Youngstown State’s matchup with Wright State, taking a closer look at the Raiders’ road-heavy start, standout players like Michael Cooper and Michael Imariagbe, and how their improved experience under new head coach Clint Sargent shapes this year’s team.
Gino also covers the keys to the game — capitalizing on open looks, winning the three-point battle, and bringing relentless defense against a Wright State squad shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to leave a five-star review and keep supporting the show. Go ’Guins!
Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/