Youngstown, Ohio – In search of its third straight 20-win season, the Youngstown State men's basketball team released its non-conference opponents and completed its 2024-25 schedule, Head Coach Ethan Faulkner announced.
Teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Mid-American Conference, and a multi-team event highlight the Penguins' non-Horizon League slate.
"We've put together a very challenging slate of non-conference games," Faulkner said. "Our players will be tested early with six of our first seven games away from home, including two Power 5 opponents.
"As we get later in the year, we have some very exciting home games against quality regional opponents that our fans are going to be excited about. We look forward to being back inside the newly renovated Beeghly Center and playing in front of the best fans in the Horizon League."
The Penguins open the 2024-25 campaign against nearby Westminster (Nov. 4) before three straight road contests.
Youngstown State visits Chicago State (Nov. 9) before heading to Columbus to tackle Ohio State (Nov. 11) at Value City Arena. The Penguins close out the road swing visiting Syracuse (Nov. 16) for the first time in program history.
The Penguins head to the Lone Star State for a multi-team event hosted by Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 21-23). YSU will face the host Lumberjacks as well as Presbyterian and Monmouth.
After 23 days away, the Penguins return to Beeghly Center for a pair of home contests to close out the month of November. Youngstown State hosts Mid-American Conference member Western Michigan (Nov. 27) and welcomes Bethany (Nov. 30).
The Penguins play their final home non-conference game against Toledo (Dec. 14) at Beeghly Center before visiting USC-Upstate (Dec. 21) in the final non-league game of the year.
In his first season, Faulkner's Penguins return three letterwinners from last year's 22-win squad. Youngstown State also added 13 newcomers (seven transfers, three redshirts, a sophomore and two true freshmen) that will make their YSU debut in the newly renovated Beeghly Center.
