MIKE BROWN: Youngstown State football has high hopes for 2023 season

The Youngstown State football team, which is coming off a 7-4 campaign (5-1 at home) under head coach Doug Phillips, is looking for even greater things in the 2023 season.

The Penguins are in the midst of their spring sports practice sessions and things look very promising.

Tony Chiaro, the Penguins Director of Player Development, said YSU will feature a veteran squad this fall.

“(We have) nine returning starters on offense and nine returning starters on defense,” noted Chiaro. “To go along with YSU’s veteran leadership, the Penguins have a large and talented group of underclassmen that we are excited to see continue to work and grow on the football field this spring.”

Youngstown State will have 14 spring practices.

The annual YSU Spring Game will be held April 15 at 11 a.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Penguins, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and the Division I subdivision, will kick off the 2023 season 7:30 p.m. August 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium against the Valparaiso University Crusaders. Valparaiso is a new opponent on YSU’s schedule.

In the coming weeks, we will take a look at some of the Penguins’ new recruits.

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This story was originally published March 29, 2023 at 5:00 AM.