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:

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:

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:

Listen now and don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

#GoGuins

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In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I recap Youngstown State’s 85-63 loss to Green Bay in the regular season finale. I break down the key team statistics and individual performances from the matchup as the Phoenix controlled the game on their home floor.

Tune in for the full breakdown of how the game unfolded and what led to the Penguins’ loss.

Listen now and don’t forget to leave a five-star review!

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YSU dropped a tough 76-70 road game to Detroit Mercy in the second meeting between the two teams this season. In this episode, I break down how the Titans controlled the game from start to finish with physical defense, limited YSU’s three-point shooting, and capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities.

I dive into the key team stats that decided the game, highlight standout individual performances — including Tae Blackshear’s career-high 22 points on perfect shooting — and discuss what went wrong for the Penguins in a game where they trailed the entire way for the first time this season.

Plus, I look ahead to YSU’s upcoming rivalry matchup against Cleveland State and what the Penguins need to clean up moving forward.

Be sure to leave a five-star review and follow the podcast for more Penguin coverage. Go ‘Guins!

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Youngstown State keeps heating up at the right time.

In this episode, we break down YSU’s huge 86–82 road win over Oakland — a game that showcased clutch free throw shooting, elite ball movement, and standout individual performances. The Penguins have now won four of their last six games, including key road wins over Purdue Fort Wayne and Oakland, and are starting to look like a team nobody wants to face down the stretch.

We dive into the key team stats that decided the game, highlight massive performances from Cam Polak, Bryson Dawkins, and Cris Carroll, and talk about what this win means moving forward. Plus, we look ahead to YSU’s upcoming matchup against Detroit Mercy.

If you’re a Penguin fan, you won’t want to miss this one.

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