Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

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...

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 int...

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. Sponsor: https://www.amysguarantee.com/  

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 her...

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 off...

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...

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 rec...

  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 c...

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...

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.amysgu...

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 th...

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....

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 defe...

YSU’s 2025 season ends in brutal fashion as the Penguins fall 43–42 to Yale after leading 35–7 at halftime. In this episode, I break down how the collapse unfolded, key team and individual stats, and the critical moments that swung the game. I also talk about what this loss means moving forward, why there’s still optimism for 2026, and what to expect this offseason. Make sure to leave a five-star...

Youngstown State rolls past Chicago State 87–64, and we’re breaking it all down. I recap the Penguins’ dominant shooting performance, key team stats, standout individual efforts, and what this win means heading into Horizon League play. Plus, a look ahead to matchups with Wright State and IU Indy. Tune in for a quick, detailed breakdown of YSU’s momentum and what’s next for the Penguins.

Youngstown State is set to host Yale in a first-round playoff matchup, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, Gino breaks down the storied history of Yale Football, dives into the Bulldogs’ balanced offense and aggressive defense, and explains what the Penguins must do to protect their home turf and advance. From Josh Pitsenberger’s ground attack to Ezekiel Larry’s pass-rush impact —...

Gino breaks down Youngstown State’s crucial season finale against Northern Iowa, diving into UNI’s struggling offense, their tough linebacker-led defense, and a special teams unit that can flip a game in a heartbeat. We cover why YSU must avoid a letdown, the key matchups to watch, and what the Penguins need to do to finally win in the UNI-Dome for the first time since 1999. We also update the ful...

A full Penguins doubleheader brought plenty to break down. Gino recaps YSU Football’s 48–29 win over Indiana State, highlighted by Beau Brungard breaking the MVFC single-season rushing TD record and another explosive day from the offense. YSU Men’s Basketball also turned in a strong performance, with five players scoring in double figures and several encouraging showings as the team continues to g...

The face behind We Are Youngstown joins the show! Gino Leone is joined by special guest Michael Metzinger — YSU Penguin Club Board Member, and diehard YSU fan — to preview the Penguins’ upcoming matchup with Indiana State. The guys break down what stands out about the Sycamores, discuss the keys to a YSU victory, and share their score predictions for Saturday’s regular season finale. Plus, Michael...

Gino's initial read on Indiana State and what he has seen on film. AmysGurantee.com

Gino Leone breaks down a wild offensive shootout as Youngstown State knocks off Southern Illinois, 48-38. The Penguins racked up 648 yards of total offense, led by Beau Brungard’s six-touchdown, 449-yard performance and Jaden Gilbert’s explosive 149-yard day on the ground. Gino recaps how YSU flipped the game after a slow start, the impact of key injuries on the defensive line, and what this win m...

Gino Leone recaps opening week for the YSU Men's Basketball team, breaking down a tough 74-59 loss at Pitt and also discussing a huge 90-81 win at Grand Canyon. Make sure to leave the show a five star review and follow Gino on social media @Ytown_Nation. AmysGurantee.com

Youngstown State looks to bounce back at home as the Penguins host a 6-3 Southern Illinois team fighting for playoff positioning. Gino Leone breaks down the Salukis’ balanced offense led by dual-threat QB DJ Williams and a deep running back rotation, as well as a defense that excels against the pass but has struggled to stop the run. Plus, Gino shares the key factors that will determine whether YS...

Youngstown State came up just short against North Dakota State in a hard-fought 38–30 loss — but the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Gino breaks down how the Penguins actually outplayed the Bison in many key areas, from total yards to defensive stops, but costly mistakes on special teams and turnovers proved too much to overcome. Hear Gino’s full recap of the game, standout player...