It is Thursday night, January 15, 2026. If you're anywhere near Fairborn, Ohio, tonight, you know exactly where the energy is. The Youngstown State men’s basketball team is currently tipping off against Wright State at the Nutter Center. It’s a massive game for Ethan Faulkner’s squad. Honestly, this whole 2025-26 stretch feels like a turning point for the Penguins.
You’ve probably seen the erratic scores lately. One night, they're dropping 115 points on Penn State Shenango, and the next, they’re grinding out a one-point nail-biter against Wright State back in early December. That's the beauty—and the absolute frustration—of the Youngstown State University basketball schedule this year. It is a total roller coaster.
The Men's Road Ahead: Can Faulkner’s New-Look Roster Surge?
Let’s be real. Coach Ethan Faulkner had a monumental task this summer. He had to replace almost an entire roster. Only three guys returned: Cris Carroll, Jason Nelson, and Imanuel Zorgvol. When you lose 11 players and bring in 11 new ones, "chemistry" isn't just a buzzword; it’s a survival tactic.
Right now, the men are sitting at 9-9 overall and 2-5 in Horizon League play. That record doesn't tell the whole story, though. They’ve had some heartbreakers, like that two-point loss to Oakland on New Year’s Day. If you’re looking at the upcoming Youngstown State University basketball schedule, the end of January is where the season will be won or lost.
After tonight’s clash with Wright State, the guys have a quick turnaround. They’re staying on the road to face Cleveland State this Saturday, January 17, at 2:00 PM. Then, finally, they head back to the Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center for a much-needed homestand.
Key Men’s Matchups to Circle
The atmosphere at Beeghly is going to be electric for these dates:
- January 22 vs. Green Bay: A 6:30 PM tip. Green Bay has been a tough out this year, and YSU needs this one to climb out of the bottom half of the standings.
- January 24 vs. Milwaukee: A Saturday afternoon game at 2:00 PM. These weekend home games are usually the best time to bring the family.
- February 7 vs. Robert Morris: This is the big one. It’s the rematch of the game from December 17 where YSU lost a tight 80-77 battle. Revenge is definitely on the menu.
The roster is finally starting to lean on its size. Rich Rolf and Tyler Robinett have been huge in the paint. We saw how much they missed Imanuel Zorgvol when he was sidelined with injuries last year. Now that he's back at center, the rim protection looks significantly better. They aren't just a "shoot first" team anymore. They’re actually fighting for boards.
The Women’s Team is Absolutely On Fire
While the men are fighting for consistency, the YSU women’s team is basically putting on a clinic. Under head coach Melissa Jackson, they’ve already surpassed last year’s win total. Think about that. We are only halfway through January and they’ve already beaten the previous season's benchmark.
Just last night, Sarah Baker had a career-defining performance. She put up 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead a massive 15-point comeback win against Wright State in overtime. That 78-67 victory moved them to 13-5 overall and a stellar 6-2 in the Horizon League. They are currently ranked second in the conference.
If you haven't been following the women's Youngstown State University basketball schedule, you are missing out on some of the most disciplined basketball in the country. They aren't just winning; they're dominating the stat sheets. They lead the league in blocks and are shooting over 44% from the field.
Watching the Women's Rise
The schedule for the women is packed with home opportunities soon:
- January 17 vs. IU Indy: 2:00 PM at Beeghly. This is a "must-see" because this team plays with such a high IQ.
- January 25 vs. Cleveland State: 1:00 PM. This is always a physical, territorial rivalry.
- February 5 vs. Milwaukee: 6:30 PM.
What’s wild is the consistency of the starting five. Sophia Gregory, Erica King, Sarah Baker, Danielle Cameron, and Casey Santoro have started every single game together. You don’t see that often in modern college sports. That continuity is why they were able to stay calm last night while down by 15. They trust each other.
How to Catch the Games (Tickets and Broadcasts)
Look, nobody likes paying full price for tickets if they don't have to. YSU actually has some pretty cool partnerships right now. Earlier this month, they did a deal with 7 17 Credit Union where you could get free tickets for certain games. Keep an eye on the official YSU sports website because they often drop these "Nothing But Net" week promotions.
If you can't make it to the Beeghly Center, almost everything is on ESPN+.
- Radio: For the locals, 570 WKBN or 1390 WNIO is the way to go.
- Streaming: ESPN+ carries the bulk of the Horizon League matchups.
- Price: Usually, general admission at the door is around $10-$15, but students usually get in free with their ID.
Why This Season Feels Different
In the past, Youngstown State was often overlooked. We’re talkin’ about a program that finally got its first-ever NIT appearance just a couple of years ago. But the 2025-26 season feels like the floor has been raised.
For the men, it’s about the "Faulkner Era" finding its feet. They have the talent—guys like Jason Nelson and the newcomer Drew King are high-caliber scorers. They just need to close out games. For the women, it’s about a potential championship run. They’re playing with a chip on their shoulder, and Melissa Jackson has them believing they can beat anyone in the Horizon League.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the rest of the Youngstown State University basketball schedule, here is how to stay ahead:
- Download the YSU Gameday App: It’s the easiest way to get live stats and schedule changes. Weather in Youngstown is unpredictable, and games do get shifted.
- Check the "Doubleheaders": Occasionally, the men and women play on the same day. These are the best value for your money.
- Watch the Standings: The Horizon League tournament starts in late February. The top teams get home-court advantage for the early rounds. Seeing the women stay in that #2 spot is vital for a deep run.
- Follow the Post-Game Pressers: Coach Faulkner and Coach Jackson are surprisingly transparent. If a player is nursing an injury, you’ll hear about it there first rather than through national sports news.
The next few weeks are going to be intense. Whether you’re cheering for the men to find their rhythm or riding the wave with the women, there's plenty of basketball left to play in the 330.
