Penguin Pulse Hotline: Is YSU a legit national title contender?

Reacting to the MVFC Preseason Poll

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/ [https://www.amysguarantee.com/] The Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll is officially here, and Youngstown State opens the 2026 season ranked No. 3. In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I break down the official MVFC preseason poll, discuss why I believe the Penguins are being slightly overlooked, and reveal my own conference power rankings heading into the season. Topics include: * Full reaction to the MVFC preseason poll * Why South Dakota State earned the top spot * Why Youngstown State deserved stronger first-place consideration * Concerns surrounding Illinois State and South Dakota * Why North Dakota and Southern Illinois could surprise * My complete 2026 MVFC preseason rankings * YSU's preseason national honors, including Beau Brungard, Mike Wells, Desmeal Leigh, and Andrew Lastovka * What must happen for the Penguins to compete for an MVFC title—and a national championship Listen now and let me know: Where would you rank Youngstown State in the MVFC heading into 2026?

Penguin Pulse Hotline: Is YSU a legit national title contender?

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Projecting the Starting 22: Defensive Line

Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/ [https://www.amysguarantee.com/] The Projecting the Starting 22 series begins with a full preview of Youngstown State’s defensive line heading into the 2026 season. With new defensive coordinator Ryan Riemedio installing a 3-4 scheme, the Penguins will need to establish depth and disruption in the trenches. YSU appears to have the personnel to do exactly that, combining returning production, portal additions, and developing young talent. In this episode, I project the starters, second-team rotation, and key depth pieces along the defensive line. I break down what Holy Cross transfer Jordan Pritchard-Sewell could bring to the edge, Thomas Jolly’s potential impact on the interior, Ebony Curry Jr.’s continued development, and several important battles for playing time. Can this group become one of the best defensive fronts in the MVFC? Who will lead the Penguins in sacks? Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Penguin Nation Fans Podcast for more YSU football coverage. Go Penguins! 🐧🏈

Kenneth Donaldson on Faith, Leadership, and Youngstown State Football | Penguin Nation Fans Podcast

Sponsor:  https://www.amysguarantee.com/ [https://www.amysguarantee.com/] Kenneth Donaldson joins the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast for a conversation about faith, leadership, community impact, and his role with Youngstown State Football. Donaldson discusses his journey from Youngstown to college athletics, the importance of mentoring student-athletes, and how player development extends far beyond what fans see on game day. We also talk about building relationships, creating a positive culture within the program, and helping young men prepare for success both on and off the field. Whether you're a Youngstown State fan, a supporter of college football, or someone interested in leadership and personal development, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Topics Covered: 🏈 Youngstown State Football 🏈 Director of Player Development responsibilities 🏈 Building relationships with student-athletes 🏈 Leadership and mentorship 🏈 Faith and football 🏈 The Youngstown community 🏈 Life lessons beyond the game

Debating the “Montana State vs. The Field” Narrative

https://www.amysguarantee.com/ [https://www.amysguarantee.com/] Is Montana State really in a tier of its own entering the 2026 FCS season? On this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, I break down the growing “Montana State vs the Field” narrative after Sam Herder compared the Bobcats to the dominant 2023 South Dakota State team. I dive into: * Why Montana State deserves to be the preseason No. 1 * The major defensive losses the Bobcats must replace * How Youngstown State stacks up position-by-position against MSU * Beau Brungard vs Justin Lamson * YSU’s offensive line continuity and defensive upside under Ryan Riemedio * Why the post-NDSU era could create more parity across the FCS * Teams like North Dakota, Tarleton State, Villanova, Montana, and SDSU that could challenge the top tier Is Montana State truly untouchable? Or is the 2026 FCS title race much more open than people think?