Youngstown State University Athletics

Youngstown State competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college athletics with full scholarships and serious competition. The Penguins field 17 varsity sports with 455 total athletes, representing about 6.2% of the 7,340-student body. The university awards $5.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. YSU plays in the Horizon League and maintains a rivalry with Akron. The Penguins are perhaps best known for their football program, which has produced notable alumni like former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski. The football team has historically been strong in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. With Division I status, students can expect packed stadiums during key games and a campus culture where athletics play a significant role in school spirit and identity.