Penguin Nation Fans Podcast w/ Gino Leone

In this episode, Gino Leone breaks down Youngstown State’s upcoming matchup against powerhouse North Dakota State. He dives into key stats, current trends, and what it will take for the Penguins to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the FCS season. Gino highlights standout players like QB Cole Payton and WR Bryce Lance, examines the strength of NDSU’s defense, and outlines the keys for YSU to s...

Gino breaks down NDSU’s matchup against YSU, highlighting the Bison’s explosive offense powered by Cole Payton, a dominant offensive line, and a deep receiver group led by Bryce Lance. The episode looks at how NDSU’s physical run scheme and tight end depth stress defenses, and why execution at the edge will be critical for the Penguins. On the defensive side, Gino examines NDSU’s relentless front,...

Host Gino Leone is joined by YSU play-by-play voice Robb Schmidt to talk about his career path and what goes into preparing for a Division I call. They also preview the upcoming season, breaking down returning leaders, impact transfers, and how the Penguins are handling expectations.

In this episode, Gino previews Youngstown State’s upcoming matchup against Murray State and breaks down what the Racers bring on both sides of the ball. He looks at the speed and explosiveness in their receiving corps, the lack of a consistent rushing attack, and a defense that has struggled all year. Gino also lays out the keys to the game for the Penguins, including establishing the run and tigh...

Youngstown State delivers a signature win, storming back with 21 unanswered in the fourth quarter to beat No. 10 Illinois State 40-35. Beau Brungard was unstoppable, totaling 528 yards and five touchdowns, while Solomon and Walters came up big in the passing game. The defense forced two key interceptions and YSU dominated time of possession, outgaining the Redbirds 561–348. A huge playoff résumé b...

This week on the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone breaks down Youngstown State’s upcoming matchup with Illinois State. The Redbirds bring a balanced offense led by dual-threat QB Tommy Rittenhouse and standout receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, but defensive issues in the secondary could be a key factor. Gino dives into the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois State and outlines the keys to victory...

The FCS playoff picture is starting to take shape, and Youngstown State is entering a crucial part of their season. Gino Leone breaks down the updated playoff format, conference championship races, and which teams are most likely to grab at-large bids. Then, he dives deep into YSU’s postseason chances — what the Penguins need to do over the final six games, how realistic fans’ expectations are, an...

Youngstown State lost on the road 17-35 at the hands of North Dakota. Recap of the game + look ahead to must win situation at Illinois State. Go 'Guins!

Gino offers his honest insight and analysis on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, talking about what he saw on film and how Youngstown State matches up. Huge Preview Show coming soon with the potential first guest appearance. Make sure to leave a five star review and continue to show love on social media. Go 'Guins! 

Youngstown State went punch-for-punch with top-ranked South Dakota State but couldn’t capitalize on key chances. Despite outgaining SDSU 431–402, missed opportunities, penalties, and injuries proved costly. Beau Brungard shined with 275 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 130 yards on the ground, but a dominant third quarter from the Jackrabbits turned the tide. No moral victories — it’s on to a...

In this episode of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino Leone previews Youngstown State’s massive upcoming showdown with powerhouse South Dakota State. He breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the Jackrabbits, dives into key statistical trends, and lays out exactly what the ‘Guins need to do to pull off a major upset.

Host Gino Leone recaps Youngstown State’s dramatic road win over Towson, highlighted by Andrew Lastovka’s clutch field goals and a furious late-game surge. Gino breaks down how the defense held strong in the final 12 minutes, Beau Brungard’s progression at quarterback, and Max Tomczak’s breakout performance at wide receiver. He also covers key injuries and lineup changes that could impact the Peng...

Gino previews YSU's upcoming showdown with Towson and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the Tigers. This is the first ever video episode, so make sure to go subscribe to the YouTube page and support the show. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/nP8auIIijtE?si=nbm9hDHwPM-WyMZe  

Recap of YSU's 24-41 defeat at Michigan State. Preview of Towson later in the week. Go 'Guins!

Gino dives into Michigan State, identifying strengths and weaknesses while also highlighting his keys to the game. Make sure to check out Redshirt Sports for additional content. Go 'Guins!

In this edition of the Penguin Nation Fans Podcast, Gino reacts to YSU's 24-15 victory vs Mercyhurst and looks at results across the MVFC. A game preview for Robert Morris will drop later this week. Game Recap Article: https://www.redshirtsports.xyz/game-recap-youngstown-state-vs-mercyhurst Go 'Guins!

It’s game day, Penguin Nation! Gino dives into Youngstown State’s newly released depth chart ahead of the 2025 opener vs Mercyhurst. From surprise starters like Richard Dandridge, to the strength of the running back room with Tahir Mills, to key battles on defense, Gino breaks down everything you need to know before kickoff at the Ice Castle.

Gino previews the YSU vs Mercyhurst game, focusing on the Lakers and giving Penguin fans valuable information. A reaction to the game one depth chart will be coming out soon, so be on the look out for that. Make sure to follow Gino on Twitter and Instagram @Ytown_Nation and leave a five star review. Article that corresponds with pod: https://www.redshirtsports.xyz/game-preview-youngstown-state-vs-...

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...

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 In...

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 analysi...

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...

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 prediction...

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 playm...