Mercyhurst Outlook
The Lakers were selected to finish seventh in the Northeastern Conference Preseason Poll and concluded the 2024 campaign with an overall record of 4-7. Despite it being their first year at the Division I level, Mercyhurst was able to remain competitive at Duquesne and defeated Saint Francis in the season finale.
Offense
Quarterback Adam Urena is a phenomenal talent. He threw for 31 touchdowns and just five interceptions last season. The best pure passer in the conference, Urena received First Team nods from NEC Blitz and Phil Steele.
Surrounding him is a solid core of playmakers. Second Team All-NEC selections Brian Trobel (RB) and Rylan Davison (WR) return along with Austin Urena (WR) – the brother of Adam. Trobel is a viable asset in the backfield, he led the team last year in rushing with 445 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Davison was the No.2 option for the Lakers in 2024, hauling in 41 passes for 484 yards and five touchdowns. Austin Urena rounds out this trio after totaling 258 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The biggest concern on offense is the lack of continuity on the O-Line. Mercyhurst returns little to no experience on the offensive line, which means the Lakers will have to rely on transfer additions from the JUCO level to make an impact. Losing WR Cameron Barmore to Arizona was another massive blow.
Defense
DL Jonas King and DL Donovan Everette (Elon) provide reason for optimism, but outside of that, Mercyhurst will need players to emerge across the board.
Depth on the front line could be an issue against physical opponents, and no one jumps off the page at LB and DB right now.
Youngstown State Outlook
In the Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll, the ‘Guins were picked to finish fifth following a season in which they went 4-8. Retention was a priority in the offseason, with YSU not losing much production and also supplementing its roster through the transfer portal.
Offense
The offense is expected to be the strength of the team, as new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich has emphasized explosiveness and playing an aggressive brand of football. Running back is arguably YSU’s deepest and most talented position group, while the aerial assault should be effective with junior quarterback Beau Brungard back and a receiving corps stocked with playmaking capability.
Defense
On defense, significant progress has been made throughout fall camp. The spine of this unit returns with DL Michael Voitus, LB Preston Zandier, and S Makai Shahid offering experience at all three levels. Communication issues haunted this side of the ball last season – that shouldn’t be the case in 2025. An underrated secondary combined with a veteran linebacking room should fuel noticeable improvement.
Keys to the Game
For YSU, the formula is straightforward: take care of business and focus on the fundamentals. After dropping a game to an NEC opponent (Duquesne) last fall at home, Doug Phillips should have this team dialed in and prepared to perform for 60 minutes.
Ultimately, YSU’s physicality and depth prove too much. For Mercyhurst, pulling off an upset would require a near-flawless performance and multiple miscues by the 'Guins.
