2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Voitus, Edge, Youngstown State University

• Name: Michael Voitus
• Position: Edge
• College: Youngstown State University
• Height: 6′ 1/2″
• Weight: 250 lbs
• X: @MikeVoitus33
• Instagram: @mikevoitus

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up, football was something that I was just going to do. My older brother was a captain of the football team at my local high school, and my father was a coach, so it was natural to say the least. Then, ultimately, the thing that made me realize I wanted to play football in college was really just my love for the sport and beginning to realize that it would be gone if I didn’t play in college.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of the favorite moments from my football life are the wins and the close games, but I think that the thing I really enjoy about football is practice and being around a group of guys who are trying to be the best they can be at something and not getting complacent.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Although there are plenty of family members I could choose from in this category, I think the one that inspires me the most is my grandma. Growing up to become the believer in Jesus Christ that I am today, I think a lot of my tendencies in how I treat other people stem from her. Anytime we would go over to her house for dinners or holidays, as soon as you walked in that door, you knew that there would be some sort of mass on the TV. Not only did she love talking about the lord, too she is also one of the sweetest ladies ever and cares so much for her kids and grandchildren.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am looking forward to having another opportunity to take the field, and to potentially build upon the season I had last year is a blessing.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Mike Singletary, his play style, and the leadership he had, and having worked with some of the people he did, I would love to sit down and talk with him.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Youngstown State?

Favorite thing about playing football for Youngstown State is the people. Especially being a local kid, I hear all year long from people I know and meet that they are supporters of Youngstown. Not only the people in the local communities but also the people involved in the program, every one of them cares for the program so much, and they make it easy to push yourself.

What should we know about Michael Voitus the person?

I think we should know that Michael Voitus, as a person, is a believer in Jesus Christ and has had many adversities in his life from many different angles, just as we all have as persons, but I’ve learned to see it differently. Being a believer means learning a plethora of different things that aid you in becoming the best you can be, and there are many different aspects of how you get there. That being said, the one inevitable thing is failure, and how do we respond to that failure?

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Our Defensive Coordinator has been drawing some stuff up recently that I am anxious to see, which gives me a little bit more space and reach my full potential. I would like to describe exactly what that is, but I do not think it would be good for other offenses to know it.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Handling changes both in life and on the football field is common to me, and I look at it biblically. Romans 8:28 says,” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” That being said, it is hard to look at change and be frustrated or complain, although I am not perfect.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get someone willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better, and whatever role they see me in, I will do that and do it to the best of my ability.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think what stands out in my film is the effort and tenacity I display.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I have played with is probably Beau Brungard. Seeing how he gets after workouts and how much time he puts in, although he is pretty well regarded by most people, I do not think it’s enough.