North Dakota State is officially leaving the Missouri Valley Football Conference to join the Mountain West as a football-only member beginning in 2026 — and the ripple effects could reshape the entire FCS landscape. In this episode, we break down the reported financial cost of the move, NDSU’s transition to the FBS level, and the temporary postseason restrictions the Bison will face.

We also take a step back to recognize one of the greatest dynasties in college football history, with NDSU winning 10 of the last 15 FCS national championships and dominating the postseason for over a decade under multiple championship-winning head coaches.

Most importantly, what does this mean for the MVFC moving forward? With the conference dropping to nine members, we discuss potential scheduling changes, the possibility of expansion, and how the balance of power could shift — including what this opportunity means for a Youngstown State program with high expectations.

If you’re an FCS fan, MVFC follower, or Penguin supporter, this is a can’t-miss breakdown of one of the biggest conference moves in recent memory.

Youngstown State didn’t just need a defensive coordinator — they needed answers. In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone reacts to YSU’s hiring of Ryan Riemedio and breaks down why this move makes sense on multiple levels.

From Riemedio’s long coaching climb at Mercyhurst to his defensive identity built on coverage integrity and red zone discipline, we dive into the numbers that matter most. You’ll hear how his defenses held up through a massive transition from Division II to the FCS, why Mercyhurst’s passing defense quietly became a strength, and how those trends directly line up with the areas YSU struggled most in 2025.

This isn’t about splash — it’s about structure, situational football, and fixing real problems. If the Penguins take a step forward in pass defense and red zone efficiency, this hire could age very well, very quickly.

As always, make sure to leave a five-star review and support the show on social media.

For now, I’m Gino Leone — and as always, go ’Guins! 🐧

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Youngstown State showed two sides of its season over the weekend.

The Penguins delivered the response they needed Thursday night, knocking off Green Bay 88–81 behind a historic shooting performance from Cris Carroll, who erupted for a career-high 34 points and eight three-pointers. YSU controlled the game from the perimeter, led for 93% of the night, and used a dominant second-half run to secure a much-needed conference win.

But just two days later, the frustration returned.

YSU came up one possession short against Milwaukee in a 65–64 loss, marking the eighth time this season the Penguins have lost by six points or fewer. Despite strong performances from Carroll and Rich Rolf, turnovers and missed chances once again proved costly in a game decided by the thinnest of margins.

In this episode, we break down what went right against Green Bay, what went wrong against Milwaukee, and why close losses continue to define YSU’s season.

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Youngstown State completely rebuilt its secondary this offseason — and in this episode, we break down why the overhaul was necessary and what the coaching staff is betting on moving forward.

After surrendering 252 passing yards per game in 2025 and losing all five starters, the Penguins turned to the transfer portal, adding six defensive backs from the FBS, FCS, and Division II levels. We dive into the context behind the moves, the portal strategy, and what it means for the defense as a whole.

Plus, a full player-by-player breakdown of each addition, including Devaon Holman, Julius Jackson, Darvens Tunis, Raleigh Collins III, Cam Smith, and Stanley Clyne — what they bring, where they fit, and how the competition in the secondary could shake out.

Can this new-look group cut down explosive plays and stabilize the defense in 2026? Let’s break it all down.

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YSU lost its top four wide receivers this offseason and responded by adding seven transfers through the portal. In this episode, I break down the overhaul, the standout additions, and what it means for the Penguins’ offense moving forward.

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The Youngstown State men’s basketball team is officially at a crossroads.

With 13 Horizon League games remaining and the Penguins sitting ninth in the standings, the margin for error is gone. In this episode, I break down why this stretch represents the most important part of YSU’s season, what it would realistically take to climb into the top four, and why every single possession matters from here on out.

We also preview a massive two-game road trip against Wright State and Cleveland State, revisit the razor-thin losses that have defined the season so far, and discuss why this team may be closer than its record suggests. YSU has proven it can compete with quality opponents — now the challenge is cleaning up late-game execution and eliminating self-inflicted mistakes.

If the Penguins can tighten the details, there’s still a path forward. But the time to start stacking wins is now.

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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.

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.

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