Lake Show Offense Ready For Prime Time Opportunity

Mercyhurst opens up the season at Youngstown State in 2026. And by “opens up the season” I mean “this is the first college football game this year.”

Kind of a big opportunity for the Lakers. But having gone through the offense in anticipation of the radio call (you can find it here on NECBlitz.com, on X @NECBlitz, or the NECBlitz Youtube), I’m convinced that they’ve got the horses to make the most of it.

It’s a tall task. The Penguins have, by my count, about 8 guys on the defensive front that can make a big difference in any ballgame. You like transfer Dev Holman coming in from Butler at defensive back. We know just how good of a defensive coach Ryan Riemedio is- he was the HC of the Lakers just last season.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, you’ve got the best player in FCS, Beau Brungard, under center for the Penguins. Youngstown State is loaded.

But the Lakers have talent and experience. The offensive side is jumping off the page to me as I’m putting together my depth chart.

We don’t know the Lakers QB, and I kind of doubt that we will until he steps on the field. We’re told it’s a three way battle between last season’s backup Alex Gevauden, Nevada transfer Anthony Wolter, and darkhorse Tyler Tusai. Whoever it is will have one of the better OLs in the NEC in front of them, which allows for deep threats like Dylan Evans to get behind the new-look Penguins secondary. Last year, this was the weak spot for YSU, and they’ve taken care to rebuild here. If it doesn’t gell quickly, though, this could be a place where the Lakers to take advantage.

At RB, Jahmeir Gamble and Jonathan Askew certainly headline the returners, but transfers Byron Caldwell (former Oregon) and Emanuel Fincher could even be starters here. We’ll get a good idea of how the depth chart in the post- Brian Trobel era early next Thursday.

At WR, Evan Van Dyke and Dylan Evans pack a big 1-2 punch. This is among the best returning WR units in a stacked NEC. Tight End includes breakout candidate Camden Lewis, one of the biggest recruiting wins for the Lakers the year prior. He's now a sophomore after scoring a TD as a true freshman.

We are so lucky to be involved with college football. Let’s enjoy another start to the season and hope for fireworks.