Steel Tire Rivalry (1940–1995)
The rivalry with Akron ended in 1995 when Akron left for the MAC; YSU held a 19–14–2 all-time edge
Wound
Program outlook
Program outlook
In the 1990s, Jim Tressel turned a regional Ohio program into a powerhouse. The Penguins defeated Marshall twice (1991, 1993), Boise State (1994), and McNeese State (1997). Tressel later went to Ohio State and won a national championship there, but he built Youngstown State permanently—a program that did not collapse when he left.
Since Jul 3: W 28-16 at Southern Illinois; W 57-24 at Indiana State; W 35-22 vs Northern Iowa; W 31-28 vs North Dakota. 7-2 this season.
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The other marker of Youngstown State's identity is the Steel Tire Trophy, a rivalry with Akron (1940–1995) rooted in the industrial identities of two Ohio cities. Youngstown State led 19-14-2 when Akron departed for the MAC in 1995, severing a cultural touchstone but not crippling the program. This is the pattern: Tressel left, a rival departed, and Youngstown State kept winning.
Quarterback Beau Brungard won the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year) after becoming just the third FCS QB to record 3,000+ passing yards and 1,000+ rushing yards in a single season. Head coach Doug Phillips, hired in 2020, maintains the program's institutional discipline and playoff competence.
The question for 2026 is whether Brungard returns or enters the NFL Draft, and whether the Penguins can reload without their star dual-threat QB. But the larger identity is already settled: Youngstown State is not chasing another national title.
On the field
Youngstown State plays Tressel-era football: disciplined, defense-first, grind-it-out winning. The Penguins are built for consistency and playoff contention, not flash.
What this program never forgets
Most weeks vanish. These didn’t.
Moment of the year · 2026
Won 43-10 vs Mercyhurst
Week 1 of 2026. A statement win, by 33 points.
2022–2022
Youngstown State has sent 1 player to the NFL Draft since 2022.
Developing. The pipeline is real but still building volume.
1
pick · last 5 drafts
#192
Andrew Ogletree
Tight End · 2022 · 
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
Players drafted: 11the talent factory →
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Conference
MVFC standing · 2026
1st in the MVFC
Youngstown State sits at the top of the MVFC at 5-1. Everyone else is chasing.
| # | Program | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youngstown State | 5-1 |
| 2 | South Dakota State | 4-1 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 4-2 |
| 4 | Illinois State | 3-2 |
| 5 | Northern Iowa | 3-2 |
| 6 | North Dakota | 3-3 |
| 7 | Southern Illinois | 2-3 |
| 8 | Indiana State | 0-5 |
| 9 | Murray State | 0-5 |
Gameday customs
Rituals
The rituals that anchor a Saturday in this program's world.
The Steel City Tradition
since 1991
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Fans gather outside Stambaugh Stadium to honor the Tressel era and the industrial heritage of Youngstown.
The Steel Tire Trophy (Historical)
since 1940 · trophy game
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The oldest rivalry in Youngstown State's history, spanning 56 years and rooted in the industrial identities of the Steel City (Youngstown) and the Rubber City (Akron). The Penguins won the series 19-14-2 before Akron's departure for the MAC in 1995.
Postseason games
Recent postseason (2016-2023): 2-2
Most recent: 2023 — loss 45-28 (away). Last 5 postseason: 2-2.
2023 L2023 W2016 L2016 W
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