If you walk around Youngstown on a Saturday in the fall, you’ll feel it. There is this specific kind of grit in the air. People here don't just "watch" football; they live it. And honestly, looking at the Youngstown State football schedule, you realize the Penguins aren't exactly taking the easy way out. They’ve built a reputation for being the team nobody wants to see on their calendar, especially when they have to come to the Ice Castle.
Navigating the Brutal Missouri Valley Slate
The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) is basically the SEC of the FCS. It is a meat grinder. You’ve got powerhouses like North Dakota State and South Dakota State lurking in the shadows of every season. For the 2025 season, the Penguins had to run a gauntlet that would make most FBS programs sweat.
The schedule kicked off with some local flavor, hosting Mercyhurst on August 28th and Robert Morris on September 6th. Those early home games at Stambaugh Stadium are crucial. They aren’t just tune-ups; they are about setting the tone. If you aren't 2-0 heading into the Big Ten matchups, the rest of the year feels like an uphill climb.
Speaking of hills, that September 13th trip to East Lansing to face Michigan State was a massive spotlight. Sure, the Penguins took a 41-24 loss, but they didn't look like an FCS pushover. They traded punches. They showed that Ohio brand of football that’s built on being fundamentally sound and hitting harder than the guy across from you.
The Mid-Season Grind
By the time October rolled around, the Youngstown State football schedule turned into a series of high-stakes conference battles. The loss to South Dakota State (35-30) on October 4th was a heartbreaker. Losing by five to the defending champs? That’s the kind of game that keeps a coaching staff up at night.
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But look how they responded. They hit the road and grabbed a massive win against Illinois State (40-35) on October 18th. Beau Brungard has been the engine for this offense. He’s a junior quarterback who plays like he’s got something to prove every single snap. When he's on, the Penguins can hang with anyone in the country.
Breaking Down the 2025 Game Results
If you missed the regular season, here is a quick look at how the chips fell. It wasn't perfect, but it was resilient.
- Aug 28: Mercyhurst (W, 24-15) - A bit closer than fans wanted, but a win is a win.
- Sep 6: Robert Morris (W, 56-17) - Absolute dominance. The run game was unstoppable.
- Sep 13: at Michigan State (L, 24-41) - Competitive until the fourth quarter.
- Sep 20: at Towson (W, 31-28) - A gritty road win that defined the team's character.
- Oct 4: South Dakota State (L, 30-35) - The one that got away.
- Oct 11: at North Dakota (L, 17-35) - A rough day in the Alerus Center.
- Oct 18: at Illinois State (W, 40-35) - The turning point of the season.
- Oct 25: Murray State (W, 51-17) - Homecoming was a party for the Penguin faithful.
- Nov 1: at North Dakota State (L, 30-38) - Taking the Bison to the limit in Fargo is no small feat.
- Nov 8: Southern Illinois (W, 48-38) - High-scoring shootout that YSU controlled late.
- Nov 15: Indiana State (W, 48-29) - Secured the winning season.
- Nov 22: at Northern Iowa (W, 35-32) - A massive road victory to close the MVFC slate.
That 8-4 regular-season finish earned them a #15 seed in the FCS Playoffs. That's where things got really interesting. On November 29th, Yale came to town. It was a historic matchup—the first time an Ivy League team used an automatic bid to enter the playoffs. In a wild, back-and-forth game, YSU fell 43-42. One point. That’s the margin between moving on and going home in November.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule Outlook
If you're already planning your tailgates for next year, the Youngstown State football schedule for 2026 is starting to take shape. Head coach Doug Phillips has his work cut out for him, but the core of this team is young.
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The 2026 season opens up with another Thursday night special against Mercyhurst on August 27th. Then, the Guins head to SEC country. They’ll be playing at Kentucky on September 5th. That is going to be a massive paycheck for the athletic department and an even bigger test for the defense.
The home slate for 2026 also includes Duquesne on September 12th and a long flight out west to face Sacramento State on September 19th. It’s a balanced schedule. You’ve got the local rivalries, the big-money FBS games, and the usual MVFC gauntlet.
Why Stambaugh Stadium Still Matters
You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about the venue. Stambaugh Stadium, or the "Ice Castle," is a legitimate home-field advantage. When the wind blows off the Mahoning River in late October, visiting teams from the south or the west coast look like they’d rather be anywhere else.
The 2025 season saw the Penguins go 5-2 at home. That’s the blueprint. If you win your home games and steal two or three on the road, you’re in the playoff conversation every single year. For 2026, the goal is likely the same: protect the Castle at all costs.
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Key Players to Watch Moving Forward
While the schedule tells you when they play, the roster tells you how they'll win. Keep an eye on Ethan Wright and Tahir Mills in the backfield. They are the thunder and lightning of this offense. In the MVFC, if you can't run the ball in November, you're dead in the water.
Defensively, guys like Carston Marshall have been anchors. The Penguins' defense had some shaky moments in 2025—giving up 30+ points in several games—but they have a knack for coming up with the big turnover when it matters. Improving that scoring defense will be the #1 priority for the coaching staff heading into the 2026 spring camp.
How to Get Tickets for Next Season
If you’re trying to catch a game, don't wait until the week of the opener. Season tickets for the 2026 campaign usually go on sale in early summer. Reserved seats at Stambaugh are surprisingly affordable, often starting around $110 for the whole season.
If you're a recent grad, look into the "Young Alumni Program." You can usually snag season tickets for about half price if you’ve graduated in the last four years. It’s a great way to keep the connection to the university alive without breaking the bank.
Actionable Steps for YSU Fans
To stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the upcoming season, here is what you should do right now:
- Check the Official YSU Sports Website: Kickoff times and TV broadcast details (usually ESPN+ or local WFMJ) are typically finalized about 10-14 days before each game.
- Download the YSU Athletics App: This is the easiest way to manage digital tickets and get real-time score updates if you can't make it to the stadium.
- Join the Penguin Club: If you want the best parking spots and access to pre-game hospitality, joining the booster club is the only way to go.
- Follow MVFC News: Because conference tie-breakers are so complex, keep an eye on how North Dakota State and South Dakota State are performing, as their results directly impact YSU's playoff seeding.
The road through the Missouri Valley is never easy, but that’s exactly how Youngstown likes it. Hard work, cold weather, and four quarters of physical football. Whether it's a trip to Lexington or a snowy afternoon against the Bison, this schedule is built for a team that thrives on the grind.