YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY — QB
3.82 GPA — Business Administration
Head Coach: Doug Phillips | Athletics Director: Ron Strollo
Faculty Athletics Representatives: Chet Cooper and Barbara Flinn
A dynamic dual-threat quarterback and the 2025 Walter Payton Award winner as the top player in the FCS, Beau Brungard has rewritten the Youngstown State record books while excelling in the classroom. The New Middletown, Ohio, native becomes the Penguins' second NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 1998.
Having graduated summa cum laude in May with a degree in business administration, Brungard is currently pursuing an MBA. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and two-time First Team Academic All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honoree, he has also earned recognition on the Dean's List.
A unanimous First Team All-American in 2025, Brungard also claimed the Walter Camp Foundation FCS Player of the Year Award, FCS ADA Offensive Player of the Year honors and MVFC Offensive Player of the Year accolades. A two-time First Team All-MVFC selection, he led the FCS last season in total offense (4,702 yards) and points responsible for (326), becoming the first player in FCS history to pass for more than 300 yards and rush for 200 yards in a single game. He also set the MVFC single-game rushing record for a quarterback with 264 yards against Robert Morris.
Brungard continues to rewrite the YSU record books, holding career marks for total offense (10,786 yards), offensive plays (1,524) and rushing touchdowns (57) and counting. Through eight games in 2026, he has passed for 2,061 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 647 yards and 11 scores. Against Indiana State on Oct. 10, he threw for a career-high 386 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two more scores, breaking Youngstown State's all-time career rushing touchdowns record. This season, he ranks first nationally in points responsible for per game (23.0), second in total offense (338.5 yards per game), sixth in passing yards (2,061) and sixth in total points scored (68). He leads the MVFC in multiple categories, including total offense, passing yards, pass completions and rushing touchdowns.
A two-year team captain, Brungard led the Penguins to the 2025 FCS Playoffs and a final No. 19 national ranking. His leadership has helped YSU earn a 6-2 record and a No. 4 AFCA national ranking. His father, Mark, quarterbacked the Penguins from 1992-95, helping YSU capture national championships in 1993 and 1994.
Off the field, Brungard leads team Bible study sessions and organizes a summer youth football camp. He also mentors local children individually and represents Youngstown State at numerous community and university functions.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
