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Heading into the 2025 campaign, YSU understood that improving the linebacking core would be crucial for building a complete front seven. Deciding to trust in the players already in the room, the Penguins leaned on experience and development to achieve a defensive overhaul.
Carston Marshall was a crucial part of YSU’s success in run defense and greater mission to improve at linebacker last fall. Marshall led all Penguin linebackers in tackles, registering 71 while also recording seven TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Senior Preston Zandier evolved into a tone setter for the defense and ended his collegiate career with a 69-tackle campaign. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native solidified himself as a strong leader for YSU and established a firm culture in the linebacking corps.
An unexpected name also rose to the occasion, rounding out the Penguins’ three-man rotation. Graydon Rollins gave YSU another reliable option, finishing the season with an impressive stat line (38 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks).
As preseason expectations continue to mount for the Penguins heading into the 2026 season, it is crucial that YSU maintains stability at the heart of its defense and expands upon the depth built up last season.
Former Iowa State transfer Carston Marshall is set to return for the Red and White, marking one of the program’s biggest offseason returns. After garnering crucial experience in 2024, Marshall erupted last season, emerging as YSU’s top linebacking option.
A gap-sound linebacker who is also athletic, Marshall figures to be a sure starter moving forward.
Graydon Rollins is also back for the Penguins after a breakthrough 2025 campaign. Following a strong finish to his high school career at Elyria Catholic, Rollins showcased his legitimate upside in year two at YSU.
His emergence last season fortified the front seven and prevented the Penguins from seeing a serious drop-off in their linebacking rotation when injuries struck. Rollins wasn’t simply a plug-and-play piece – he looked more like a bonafide starter.
With both Marshall and Rollins returning, the YSU coaching staff will look to expand the rotation beyond what was used in 2025.
YSU added two players to its linebacking core during the transfer portal cycle.
Danny Inglis returns home to Youngstown after a two-year stint at Iowa State. Despite limited experience with the Cyclones, Inglis carries an intriguing high school resume that suggests he could be an immediate contributor for the Penguins.
Inglis earned a three-star ranking out of high school by ESPN, 247Sports, On3 and Rivals, also being listed as a top-100 athlete (ESPN) and the No. 85 player in Ohio (247Sports). A freak athlete, Inglis is known for his top-end speed and his ability to move from sideline to sideline almost seamlessly.
With Canfield, Inglis made his mark on both sides of the ball, piling up significant numbers at RB and LB. He was a major contributor when his team won the state championship in 2022.
Danny Nittoli is another local product slated to make his return. The Poland native spent two seasons at nearby Akron, serving primarily as a special teams piece last season.
In high school, Nittoli earned All-Ohio, All-Mahoning County, All-League, and All-Northeast Ohio accolades as a senior. He posted 52 total tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, and one interception.
Solomon Farrell is a complete wild card entering the spring, boasting ridiculous length for a linebacker at 6-4 but still developing as an inexperienced player. After competing in eleven contests last season and Preston Zandier gone due to graduation, Farrell will look to stave off transfer additions and secure his spot in the rotation.
Preston Penn (6-3, 220) is another intriguing name to monitor. Penn was a member of YSU’s talented 2025 recruiting class, joining the program as a three-star prospect and carving himself out a role on special teams. Can Penn speed up his development and become a significant contributor?
Remy Bose completes the list of darkhorse candidates, with a monster junior season at Gateway High School under his belt and a steady increase in reps. Bose appeared in six contests last fall, suggesting that a breakout year is coming soon.
