UNDER PRESSURE: Joe Rossi, MSU football defense MUST flip script in 2026; Julius Avent overlooked?

Michigan State Spartans football faces a make-or-break season as defensive coordinator Joe Rossi lands on the hottest seat for 2026. Can Rossi overhaul a shaky defense loaded with new faces and minimal returning starters like Jordan Hall and Ben Roberts? Matt Sheehan spotlights key position battles, including the crucial pass rush and a cornerback unit that’s undergone a hard reset, while questioning if Rossi’s adjustments and recruiting moves will finally turn the tide for the Spartans’ D. On the basketball front, incoming freshman Julius Avent sparks debate about Michigan State’s depth at power forward. With comparisons to Malik Hall and uncertainty around minutes distribution, Sheehan explores whether Avent’s versatile skill set could make him a surprise contributor. Plus, get the latest updates on the Spartans’ Big Ten baseball tournament hopes and a rapid-fire mailbag tackling everything from coaching futures to bold predictions for Tom Izzo and Pat Fitzgerald. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. Wayfair Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Ten football faces seismic changes as coaches push for a 24-team College Football Playoff and the elimination of conference championship games. Is the legendary exclusivity of college football evaporating? The Big 10 Squad debates whether expanding the playoff waters down the sport, how job security and coaching standards might shift, and if a January 25th national championship is simply too much. The crew breaks down Maryland Terrapins’ shocking 4.5 win total: can Mike Locksley’s squad exceed expectations, or is another disappointing season inevitable? Key talking points include playoff expansion, scheduling chaos, and the shifting stakes for Big Ten coaches and teams like Washington and Ohio State. With heated insights on tradition, competitive balance, and the future of college football, this episode takes on the sport’s most controversial debates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan State Spartans shake up their football future with enticing non-conference showdowns against Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and Duquesne—plus a primetime battle with Notre Dame. Could these gettable Power Four matchups reignite Spartan fans' hopes under coach Eric Morris, or are tougher times ahead as the Big Ten gauntlet intensifies? Matt Sheehan breaks down the playoff implications of a potential 24-team College Football Playoff and what it means for Michigan State’s postseason dreams. The discussion features sharp takes on recent scheduling news, roster dynamics, and the intriguing transfer of Divine Ugochukwu to Will Wade’s LSU Tigers. Are the Spartans setting the stage for a surprise resurgence, or just trying to survive one of college football’s toughest slates? Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan State Spartans face a season-defining challenge as star departures leave critical gaps on both sides of the football. With Nick Marsh heading to Indiana and Matt Gulbin off to the NFL, questions loom about whether Trent Fraley, and a host of unproven receivers and linemen can rise to the occasion. The defensive trenches take a hit as Alex VanSumeren departs for USC, heightening worries about depth and durability among the new rotation of Ben Roberts, Eli Coenan, and Derrick Simmons. Recruiting urgency heats up as top targets like Gideon Gash and Miles Smith could reshape the Spartans’ future, while offensive line prospects Dominic Black and Caleb Johnson emerge as must-gets. Basketball fans also get a preview of Michigan State’s gauntlet non-conference schedule, featuring Duke, Arizona, and Gonzaga. Can Tom Izzo’s scheduling mentality give the Spartans the edge they need for a deep March run? Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan State Spartans chase a surprising 8-4 ceiling under Pat Fitzgerald—could a turbulent season end with bowl game glory? Host Matt Sheehan breaks down the realistic best-case scenario for MSU Football, examining pivotal matchups against Notre Dame, Oregon, and conference rivals like Nebraska and Michigan. Discussion spotlights the crucial roles of Kenny Soares and Anelu Lafaele in the pass rush, the make-or-break health of the offensive line, and how special teams could be the x-factor in their Big Ten campaign. On the hoops front, the podcast explores the upcoming Michigan State Basketball season’s ceiling, comparing the Spartans’ potential to last year’s UConn blueprint. Key basketball roster moves are analyzed, including Divine Ugochukwu's departure, Jeremy Fears’ NBA Combine invite, and the positional logjam between Kur Teng and Divine. Plus, critical insight on MSU’s challenging non-conference schedule and a lively debate: does a $1,000 Sparty cameo make the ultimate rehearsal dinner? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

College football playoff chaos looms as postseason expansion rumors ignite fierce debate. Could the Big Ten secure eight playoff spots in a future super-sized format? The Big 10 Squad tackles the growing influence of money on NCAA tournament and College Football Playoff changes, questioning whether tradition or TV contracts will shape the future of Big Ten powerhouses like Michigan State, Penn State, and USC. The crew breaks down Michigan State’s outlook under Pat Fitzgerald, with FanDuel setting a three-and-a-half win total. Can quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and the Spartans shock critics with a stronger season? Plus, hot dog eating contests and schedule traps add intrigue to a season already rich with drama. With insiders debating expansion fatigue, scheduling quirks, and long-term survival for non-revenue sports, this heated roundtable asks: Where is college football heading, and who will rise or fall when change arrives? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan State Spartans land another key defensive line commit as Pat Fitzgerald ramps up his regional recruiting push—could this signal a turning point for MSU football? Jack Schuler, a dominant three-star edge from Ohio powerhouse Bishop Watterson, joins the Spartans' 2027 class, pumping new life into a previously starved defensive line pipeline. Host Matt Sheehan breaks down Shuler’s on-field impact, his athleticism, and what this addition says about the Spartans' renewed Ohio recruiting strategy. Upcoming official visit season sparks debate—is it better to snag a recruit’s first or last visit? Matt Sheehan crunches the numbers on recent commits, revealing fresh insights for Michigan State’s 2026 class. Plus, a loaded non-conference basketball schedule awaits Sparty with matchups against Duke, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Gonzaga. The show wraps up with the annual Kentucky Derby jockey vs. MSU athlete challenge, delivering laughs and surprising quiz results. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NCAA stuns fans with a controversial 76-team March Madness expansion—does this spell disaster for Cinderella stories and mid-major upsets? Matt Sheehan breaks down what this format shift means for the Michigan State Spartans, raising critical questions about tournament integrity, seeding chaos, and the dwindling reward for regular season efforts. Will top seeds like Michigan State now face tougher first-round matchups, and does this expansion mark the end for true underdogs? Matt Sheehan also debates whether calling Michigan State football’s Year One under Pat Fitzgerald a “rebuild” is a legitimate strategy or just another excuse. The episode spotlights the jaw-dropping NIL price tags needed to overhaul rosters, the challenges in matching Power 5 spending, and the core areas—offensive line and pass rush—where the Spartans must improve. With sharp insights, pointed humor, and impassioned sports talk, this episode is a must-listen for college basketball and football fans bracing for rapid change in the NCAA landscape. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NCAA shakes up college basketball with a new five-year eligibility rule—but Michigan State Spartans fans are left frustrated. Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler won’t get another year, as the rule likely excludes current seniors, sparking questions about the NCAA’s timing and fairness for this class of athletes. Matt Sheehan unpacks the Spartans’ offseason, projecting next season’s starting lineup and grading the roster’s retention and portal additions. Listener mailbag highlights concerns over Anton Bonk at center, expectations for bowl eligibility in Michigan State football, and the burning question: will the Spartans notch a win over Michigan in football or basketball first? Tune in for fan reactions, off-season insights, and a candid look at Michigan State’s path forward. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.