After a bye week and a pair of road trips, Youngstown State is back on home turf, though the welcome wagon looks more like a freight train with No. 2 South Dakota State rolling into town.
The No. 18 Penguins sit at 3-1, their hottest start since 2019, thanks to a dramatic road win that featured a clutch field goal to polish off a 14-point comeback against Towson. Momentum may be on their side, but the challenge ahead is a mountain climb. YSU has not beaten the Jackrabbits since 2017 and has been steamrolled in the last two meetings by a combined 107-13.
South Dakota State, meanwhile, looks every bit the juggernaut. Chase Mason tossed three touchdown passes, James Basinger punched in two on the ground, and the Jackrabbits made quick work of Mercyhurst with a 51-7 thrashing to move to 4-0. With that kind of firepower, the defending powerhouse will not be an easy guest to entertain at Stambaugh Stadium.
Here's what you need to know to watch Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State on Saturday, including start time and TV channel.
What channel is Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State on today?
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: ESPN+
Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State will not air on a national TV channel. The game will be available to stream exclusively on ESPN+, with Drae Smith (play-by-play) and Chris Sammarone (color analyst) on the call.
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Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
- Start Time: 6 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. MT
Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State is set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET from Stambaugh Stadium in Youngstown, Ohio.
Youngstown State Penguins 2025 football schedule
Here are the next five games for the Penguins:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 4 | vs. South Dakota State | 6:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | at North Dakota | 4:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Illinois State | 3:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | vs. Murray State | 2:00 p.m. |
| Nov. 1 | vs. North Dakota State | 3:30 p.m. |
South Dakota State Jackrabbits 2025 football schedule
Here are the next five games for the Jackrabbits:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 4 | at Youngstown State | 6:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | vs. Northern Iowa | 3:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Murray State | 7:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | vs. North Dakota State | TBD |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Indiana State | 3:00 p.m. |