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Beau Brungard is the unquestionable QB1 entering the 2025 campaign, but will he be able to evolve his arm talent and thrive in Mike Yurcich’s system? He certainly has the explosive factor in his rushing attack, and all the athletic tools to be successful. Beau showed a lot of promise at the spring game, making several highlight throws and consistently finding his weapons on the perimeter. A reset in offensive philosophy might be exactly what Beau needed, and I think Yurcich understands what it takes to turn BB12 into a legit dual-threat quarterback. I’m expecting a monster season from Beau.
TC Caffey, Ethan Wright, and Tahir Mills will make up one of the better RB rooms in the FCS – if this trio is able to remain healthy. Caffey dealt with multiple injuries during his time at Ohio State, thwarting any opportunities he had of becoming a key rotational piece for the Buckeyes. Wright suffered a season ending injury vs Southern Illinois and faces a tough road back to his pre-injury form. Injuries raise concern, but this group’s pure potential is undeniable. Mills impressed throughout the spring, and has a sky-high ceiling because of his physically imposing nature. Don’t forget about Da’Shaun Whatley, Jaden Gilbert, or Antuan Gardner.
LOADED: The one word I would use to describe the wide receiving corps this year. Max Tomczak reportedly turned down an offer to play at Northwestern, instead electing to return to Youngstown and boost his NFL draft stock with the Penguins. Luke Hensley has been waiting his entire collegiate career for the chance to shine and is due for a breakout season. Kylon Wilson generated a lot of buzz during the spring, showcasing his deep threat capabilities to the coaching staff. Mike Solomon was an absolute stud at Slippery Rock, and is in the mix for a starting job. Roger Walters transfers in from Iowa Western CC, where he earned First Team All-American awards at the JUCO level. Depth-wise, don’t overlook Richard Dandridge or Andrew Jacobs – both should see increased snaps.
Austin Bray and Colt Sechrest return after putting forth solid seasons in 2024. The highlight of Bray’s year came in the finale vs Northern Iowa, when he was able to haul in the game winning two-point conversion. Sechrest was a constant in the tight end room, always bringing the best version of himself and doing whatever the coaching staff asked of him, whether that be blocking or making a clutch catch. Bray is embarking upon his senior campaign while Sechrest will be a junior. Alex McDonald is another name to monitor at TE – he saw action on special teams last fall.
Desmeal Leigh, Van Keen, and Shane Keenan all return on the offensive line for the ‘Guins. Leigh allegedly received interest from several Big 10 schools – as mentioned by YSU Play by Play Announcer Bob Hannon – but opted to return to YSU and advance his craft under OL Coach Austen Bujnoch. He has the highest ceiling in comparison to his fellow offensive linemen, and is one of the most talented tackles in the FCS. Keen started 10 contests in 2024 and has incredible upside at the center spot. Keenan is projected to start at right tackle despite taking the majority of his reps at right guard last fall. He will replace Jaison Williams, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants. Joe Sferra is ready to embrace the starting right guard role and Isaac Perkins brings experience from Colgate. Easton Korody, Nicholas Nielsen, and Nate Williams are some other names to monitor along the front line.
This was an area of concern last season, as opposing teams were able to gash YSU on simple run plays. The interior of the defensive line should take a step forward, especially when considering the portal additions of Cam Cunningham (Fayetteville State) and Collin Vaughn (Utah State), two lengthy defensive tackles with powerful playing styles. Thomas Jolly was a nice get by the coaching staff – he was a Second-Team All-GLIAC selection at Grand Valley State and was being recruited by North Dakota State in the portal. Devaughn Perkins and Joe Brown could be dark horse candidates for a starting DT job.
On the edge, depth will come into question, as Parker Jacobs and Michael Voitus are the only proven defensive ends on the roster. Deshawn Carter and Ebony Curry Jr. were thrown into the fire in 2024, are they prepared for increased expectations? Connor Johannesen is only a sophomore, but is listed as 6-4, 275, suggesting that he could be a valuable asset on the D-Line. Ajayi Ajaga is back from injury and Michelangelo Loretto transfers in from Robert Morris.
Preston Zandier, Carston Marshall, and Michael Wells are at the forefront of a veteran linebacking core. Although linebacking play was inconsistent last year, Defensive Coordinator John Haneline made critical adjustments following a crushing defeat to South Dakota State. Stark improvement ensued, and gap discipline started to pay dividends on the outcome of contests. Zandier and Marshall are currently projected to start, with Wells rotating in as a strong third option. Chris Sammarone and Graydon Rollins took second team reps throughout spring training. Another offseason of hard work and persistence should result in a solid season for the linebackers.
The backend of YSU’s defense is filled to the brim with talent, leaving less room for errors and creating more pressure to perform on the field. DJ Harris and Makai Shahid will anchor the safety room – this duo has All-MVFC capabilities and could be one of the better tandems in the FCS. Western Illinois transfer defensive back Jeremiah Piper was a coveted prospect from Southfield A&T High School who earned a three-star rating from ESPN. Tiffin transfer Justin Wimpye booked a start in the Annual Red-White Spring Game, starting alongside Lewis Center product Jordan Rudolph. Jussiah Williams-West, Isaiah Hackett, Dathan Hickey, and Caleb Taylor are competing fiercely for a spot in the rotation. Dayne Hodge comes in from Tulsa, taking first team reps at the SAM position.
Note: YSU is expected to stick with a 4-2-5 base, with the SAM linebacker functioning as a hybrid rover/nickel depending on the matchup.
With new schemes, returning talent, and playmakers across the board, YSU could make some noise in the MVFC playoff race this fall.
