Three standout golfers from Youngstown State University have earned the prestigious 2025-26 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). The athletes, Jordan Kish, Michael Porter, and Ryan Sam, were celebrated for their excellence both on and off the course. Porter and Sam received the honor for the second consecutive year, while Kish was recognized for the first time in his career. Sam, who also served as the team captain, collected additional accolades during the 2025-26 season, including a spot on the All-Horizon League Second Team.
Sam's leadership and consistency
As the only senior and team captain in 2025-26, Ryan Sam demonstrated remarkable dedication throughout the entire season. He competed in all 12 tournaments and completed 36 total rounds, averaging a team-best and career-low 73.2 strokes per round. Sam recorded a low round of 67 and achieved two top 10 finishes, along with seven top 25 placements. His consistent performance earned widespread recognition. Academically, Sam maintained a 3.70 GPA while majoring in finance at Youngstown State. He graduated in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree, showcasing his ability to balance athletics with academics.
Sam's success extended beyond competition. He was named the Under Armour Horizon League Men's Golfer of the Week on March 12, 2026, in recognition of his performance. Additionally, he was selected for the Horizon League All-Academic Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Men's At-Large Team, further highlighting his dual accomplishments.
Porter and Kish make strides
Michael Porter, a redshirt junior from McDonald, Ohio, made significant contributions to the team in 2025-26. He participated in all 12 tournaments, completing 36 rounds and recording a career-best average of 73.4 strokes per round. Porter's best individual round was a 67, and he secured three top 10 finishes as well as six top 25 results. Academically, he maintained a 3.33 GPA as an accounting major at Youngstown State, reflecting his commitment to scholarship as well as sport.
Jordan Kish, a sophomore from Massillon, Ohio, also had a standout season with the Penguins. Alongside his teammates, he reached a new single-season record for rounds played at 36. Kish averaged 73.9 strokes per round and had a 69 in three separate rounds. He earned one top 10 finish, three top 25 finishes, and six top 30 results during the season. Academically, Kish maintains a 3.20 GPA while pursuing a degree in information technology.
Requirements and recognition
The Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar award is reserved for student-athletes who meet specific criteria. To qualify, athletes must be at least sophomores both academically and athletically. In NCAA Division I, they must compete in at least 50% of their team's competitive rounds and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Additionally, they must average under 76.0 strokes per round. Character and conduct are also reviewed, with recipients required to be in good standing at their university.
The 2025-26 cohort included 659 NCAA Division I athletes from 202 schools, highlighting the competitiveness of the honor. Youngstown State's program has shown continued excellence, with three of its athletes meeting the rigorous academic and athletic standards required for selection. For more updates on the YSU men's golf team, fans are encouraged to follow the program on social media platforms such as X and Instagram.