Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

Gino analyzes the landscape surrounding Youngstown State Football and what Penguin fans should expect heading into 2025. Raw and honest thoughts, Gino ranks the offensive and defensive units of the MVFC middle tier, and asks what it will take for the 'Guins to take the next step.

In the final installment of the 2025 YSU Football Preview series, Gino breaks down the most overlooked unit on the field — Special Teams. From Brendon Kilpatrick’s All-American leg to Andrew Lastovka’s reliability and a new face at long snapper, this group could be the X-factor in close games. Gino also highlights potential difference-makers in the return game and reacts to fan poll results on who will lead the ‘Guins in tackles and rushing this season.
It’s all here as we wrap up the preseason previews and get ready for kickoff. 🐧🏈

The Penguin Pulse Hotline is back, and this week the YSU community brought the heat with their boldest FCS hot takes yet. Gino dives into three listener submissions — from predicting a first-time FCS champion in 2025, to debating how the transfer portal is shaping the competitive landscape, to forecasting a massive Ice Castle upset under the lights. Along the way, he breaks down contenders like Incarnate Word, South Dakota, UC Davis, and Tarleton State, weighs in on roster retention in the NIL era, and takes a closer look at the Penguins’ potential for a statement win. It’s open mic, open discussion, and no holding back.

In this defensive preview, Gino Leone breaks down where the Youngstown State Penguins must improve in 2025 — and why there’s reason for optimism. From a reloaded secondary to key additions up front, Gino covers every position group, highlights three must-win matchups for the defense, and looks ahead to the future of the unit. Can the ‘Guins stop the run and make a playoff push? Tune in for analysis, insight, and plenty of Penguins talk.

With just 17 days until kickoff, Gino Leone breaks down the 2025 Youngstown State offense and why this year’s unit could be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From the arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich to the potential leap for QB Beau Brungard, plus impact transfers like Kylon Wilson, Mike Solomon, and TC Caffey, we dive into the fresh playmakers ready to ignite the ‘Guins attack. Hear why this revamped offense might be the key to a playoff push — and why fans should be fired up for opening night against Mercyhurst.

Fall camp is here, the schedule is set, and it’s time to answer the big question — how will the Penguins fare in 2025? In this episode, Gino Leone goes game-by-game through Youngstown State’s schedule, breaking down matchups, key storylines, and swing games that could make or break the season. From early non-conference tests to the gauntlet of MVFC play, Gino delivers honest takes, bold predictions, and a final win-loss record sure to get Penguin Nation talking.

In the first-ever edition of the Penguin Pulse Hotline, Gino Leone takes a deep dive into Youngstown State’s defensive line — the unit that could make or break the 2025 season.
After an inconsistent 2024 campaign, Gino breaks down what went wrong, how the ‘Guins responded late in the year, and why this revamped group could be in for a major bounce-back. From key portal additions to returning playmakers like Dashawn Carter and Ebony Curry Jr., this six-minute quick take has all the insight YSU fans need to watch the trenches this fall.
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Sports writer and analyst Gino Leone kicks off the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast with a breakdown of the three teams picked to finish at the bottom of the 2025 MVFC preseason poll. Get a clear-eyed look at where these programs stand, what challenges they face, and how they might surprise people this fall.