Locked On Spartans - Daily Podcast On Michigan State Spartans Football & Basketball

Michigan State Spartans face a pivotal year as head coach Pat Fitzgerald seeks to reignite Spartan Stadium and restore faith to a fanbase hungry for wins. Can MSU’s path to a bowl game—and perhaps a signature upset—put them back on the national radar, or is another rebuilding season on tap? Matt Sheehan and Connor Muldowney debate Fitzgerald’s immediate impact, potential milestone victories, and what it would take to energize Spartan Nation. The duo breaks down Pick Six Previews’ Big Ten positional rankings, dissecting Michigan State’s linebacker prowess, the underrated running back transfers, and concerns at defensive...

Illinois and Michigan State set the pace in the Big Ten, but can Michigan or a surging West Coast newcomer crash the party? Matt Sheehan and Sunny V break down John Rothstein’s preseason power rankings, assess coaching shakeups—like Mike Boynton replacing Dusty May at Michigan—and spotlight rising threats including Nebraska and Wisconsin. The hosts debate surprise teams, potential disappointments from USC and UCLA, and whether Purdue’s drop in the rankings is warranted. The conversation shifts to breakout performers, Big Ten Player of the Year frontrunners, and recruiting storylines featuring Quinn Coleman and Jasiah Jervis. Plus, the host...

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin fuels early Heisman buzz—can Ryan Day’s revamped offense deliver another Big Ten title? Host Spencer McLaughlin puts Locked On’s Big Ten experts on the spot, challenging hot takes about the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback play, Iowa Hawkeyes’ QB battle, and Washington Huskies’ locker room dynamics. Insightful banter erupts around which teams could break through daunting schedules and which dark horses might disappoint. Main conversations include Penn State’s favorable slate under Matt Campbell, Iowa’s search for improved passing efficiency, and whether Northwestern could play spoiler with Chip Kelly guiding the offense. Debates s...

Michigan State Spartans aim to transform their special teams under new coordinator Lavar Woods—will this long-struggling unit finally become a game-changer? Former Iowa Hawkeyes long snapper Tyler Kluver offers insider perspective on what makes special teams great and why Woods’ leadership could spark a remarkable turnaround in East Lansing. Key topics include Michigan State's challenging recent history with special teams, the crucial role of core players like punters and long snappers, and how team culture drives on-field success. Get ready for a deep dive into the strategy, psychology, and big moments that define Big Ten special teams. Everydayer Club...

Michigan State Spartans football faces a pivotal season as a wave of newcomers, including Kenny Soares and Ben Murawski, look to reshape both sides of the ball. The conversation focused on Michigan State’s pressing depth concerns at key positions—defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver—while highlighting the make-or-break potential of the revamped offensive line led by Murawski. Can the Spartans’ run-heavy philosophy deliver results behind a group of fresh faces, or will lack of experience at skill positions stall their progress? A key theme that emerged was the heightened importance of durability and immediate impact among transfers like Eli...

Michigan State’s fiercest rival finds itself in chaos as scandal after scandal rocks the Michigan Wolverines athletic department. Is the end near for Athletic Director Warde Manuel? Investigative reporting by Justin Spiro breaks new ground, revealing bombshell developments on sign-stealing schemes, the Partridge lawsuit, and potential rule violations involving Blake Corum’s LLC.

Matt Sheehan presses for answers on Michigan’s internal culture, media accountability, and the NCAA’s looming role in vacated wins. The conversation highlights high-stakes negotiations for Manuel’s departure, underreported evidence destruction by Connor Stalions, and why chilling new details—like coaches covering up...

Michigan State Spartans outshine Michigan Wolverines as off-season chaos reigns. Leadership shakeups, board infighting, and a wild legal saga put both athletic departments under the microscope, but is East Lansing quietly winning the headlines war? Matt Sheehan and Mike Jones break down Michigan State’s AD carousel, trustee lawsuits, and bizarre board drama, then compare the Wolverines’ mounting scandals—including Ward Manuel’s imminent exit and allegations of a sign-stealing scheme. Key discussion points include the future of Michigan's athletics, the surprising first recruiting move by new Michigan basketball coach Mike Boynton targeting four-star guard Mateen Cleaves Jr., and why MSU’...

Wisconsin Badgers face mounting pressure as questions swirl around Luke Fickell’s future—will a home loss to Michigan State Spartans be the breaking point, or is his job secure? Matt Sheehan and Ryan Harings explore the implications of the week five matchup at Camp Randall, dissecting the impact of offseason transfer portal moves, revamped coaching staffs, and the importance of quarterback stability for both programs. The conversation spotlights Michigan State’s need for a breakout skill player alongside Cam Edwards, while Wisconsin’s hopes rest on new dual-threat QB Colton Joseph and a rebuilt secondary. Listeners also get insights...

On3’s latest quarterback and receiver rankings spark heated debate—can elite quarterback-receiver duos truly explain team success, or do inconsistencies between individual and duo rankings leave fans scratching their heads? The Locked On Big Ten Squad analyzes controversial placements: Why is Jayden Maiava ranked third among Big Ten quarterbacks, yet his top wideout drops to an honorable mention? Does the meteoric rise of Purdue’s Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh make sense, or is it pure off-season hype? Attention shifts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ win total—set at 7.5 by FanDuel. Can Iowa’s new-look offense and a lean senior class...

Michigan State Spartans reload for a run at the Big Ten title as Jeremy Fears returns to lead the charge. With Coen Carr’s explosive athleticism and a deep, experienced backcourt, could this be Tom Izzo’s best shot at another Final Four before retirement? Big questions loom after Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper’s departures, sharpening focus on Anton Bonk’s impact in the frontcourt and the emergence of freshmen Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock. Isaac and Matt Sheehan break down the Spartans’ projected starting lineup, positional battles, and X-factors that will define Michigan State’s ceiling. Key topics inclu...

Michigan State Spartans’ NCAA championship dreams haunt fans with a decade of heartbreaking “what ifs.” Could Cassius Winston have delivered Tom Izzo his elusive second title if the COVID tournament hadn’t been canceled? Matt Sheehan and Zach Theis re-examine pivotal MSU basketball moments, including the crushing Texas Tech loss, the infamous defeat to Middle Tennessee State, and the missed opportunity against Syracuse despite a sharpshooting squad.

Key debates center on Jaren Jackson Jr.'s potential sophomore impact, the ripple effects of the loss to Kansas State, and how missed recruitments (Vernon Carey, Imani Bates, Josh Jackson) could ha...

Michigan State Spartans pull off a shocking turnaround as President Kevin Guskiewicz returns to East Lansing, just after a stunning departure for Clemson. With Tom Izzo’s passionate support and influential donors rallying behind him, the Spartans secure what many are calling the university’s best president—one whose fundraising prowess and human approach have galvanized the MSU community. Matt Sheehan unpacks what Guskiewicz’s comeback means for Spartan athletics, from the future of athletic director J. Bateman to speculation over a new interim AD, with John Palumbo emerging as a likely candidate. Key talking points include the financial implicat...

Nebraska Cornhuskers face mounting pressure as Matt Rhule eyes a pivotal fourth season, with a revamped offensive line, new quarterback Anthony Colandrea, and soaring expectations despite recent disappointment. Could a loss to Michigan State Spartans—who enter a new era under Pat Fitzgerald—ignite the hot seat talk in Lincoln? Matt Sheehan and Mitch Sherman break down the stakes for both teams in their Big Ten opener, from Nebraska’s improved roster and fan skepticism to the Spartans’ dramatic transfer portal turnover and Alessio Milivojevic’s emergence at quarterback. Discussions cover NIL implications, leadership shakeups, and which team will gain early...

Big Ten coaching rankings ignite debate as Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana challenges Ryan Day’s Ohio State dominance. Can Cignetti’s underdog playbook outshine traditional powerhouses if given equal resources? The discussion also spotlights Kyle Whittingham’s consistency, questions Dan Lanning’s performance in pressure games, and evaluates where Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies truly fit in the new Big Ten landscape. Washington’s daunting 2026 schedule faces scrutiny—can the Huskies surpass expectations with key matchups against USC, Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa? The conversation breaks down Washington’s roster strengths and weaknesses, Jedd Fisch’s offensive strate...

Michigan State Spartans fans face the ultimate what-if: who would win a seven-game series between the beloved 2019-2020 "What If" squad—led by Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman—and the yet-unseen 2026-2027 team stacked with rising stars like Jeremy Fears, Jordan Scott, and Coen Carr? The debate rages on as strengths, weaknesses, and individual matchups are analyzed, calling out key factors like assist rate, perimeter defense, and bench depth. Could the future Spartans’ improved shooting and defense overpower the established leadership of Winston and Tillman, or does experience and top-heavy talent still reign supreme?

The discussion shifts gears...

Michigan State Spartans’ last decade defined by program-shifting "what ifs" — from the Mel Tucker scandal and missed coaching hires to iconic rivalry wins and the lost promise of recruiting classes. Would MSU football’s trajectory have changed if Mel Tucker never made that infamous phone call, or if Luke Fickell took the head job? What about the game-altering plays from Kenneth Walker III and the unforgettable "trouble with the snap" moment against Michigan?

Matt Sheehan and Robbie Bettelon break down MSU’s biggest turning points, reimagining everything from the Mark Dantonio era’s decline to offensive struggles and Aiden...

Michigan State Spartans football fans have ten compelling reasons to believe brighter days are ahead. Can the revamped running back room—featuring Cam Edwards and Marvis Parish—rekindle the explosive ground attack last seen with Kenneth Walker? Matt Sheehan spotlights a strengthened offensive line, returning quarterback Alessio Milivojevic’s resilience under pressure, and key weapons like Christian McRae, sparking optimism for a high-octane offense this fall. On defense, future stars like Derek Simmons and veteran linebacker Jordan Hall promise steady leadership, while new faces such as Samson Gash and Tyrann Chapel inject fresh energy. Matt Sheehan explores how coordinators like N...

Big Ten shakes up college football with the new “5 and 5” eligibility rule, setting the stage for a new era—no more endless waivers or awkward redshirt seasons. The Big 10 Squad debates whether this reform can finally bring order to the chaos. Will this bold move eliminate confusion and eight-year seniors, or just spawn fresh controversy? Illinois Fighting Illini’s win total sparks heated predictions as FanDuel sets the mark at 7.5—can Bret Bielema push the Illini from good to great? The crew breaks down Illinois’ manageable 2026 schedule, rivalry games, and the impact of losing key players like Luke Altmyer. The hosts dr...

Notre Dame Fighting Irish eye a national championship run as their storied rivalry with Michigan State Spartans is reignited under the lights in South Bend. Can the Spartans, led by transfer additions like wide receiver K.K. Smith and running back Cam Edwards, spoil Notre Dame’s September streak and reclaim the coveted Megaphone Trophy? Host Tyler Wojiak and guest cover the clash’s history, Spartans’ quarterback outlook with Alessio Milivojevic, and key coaching changes that set the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Key discussion points include Marcus Freeman’s quest for a perfect September, the impact of Playoff-caliber talent C...

Michigan State Spartans build a formidable foundation in the trenches as Pat Fitzgerald’s 2027 recruiting class secures key victories over rivals like Indiana and Nebraska. Can standout recruits Caleb Johnson and Matthew Brady transform the Spartans into a Big Ten headache right from year one?

Matt Sheehan and national recruiting expert Greg Smith break down Michigan State’s focus on offensive and defensive line depth, highlight emerging talents like Henry Sakalas, and pinpoint “diamond in the rough” prospects to watch. The conversation covers tough recruiting losses—most notably legacy target Gideon Gash to Texas Tech—and the program’s ev...

Michigan State Spartans fans ramp up excitement as the Moneyball Pro-Am tips off, spotlighting rising stars like Jasiah Jervis, Carlos Medlock Jr., and Cohen Carr. Can Jervis’s all-around scoring and Medlock’s college-ready playmaking ignite the Spartans’ next season? The conversation focused on which freshmen will stand out, how players like Ethan Taylor and Anton Bonke could surprise, and why Coen Carr’s high-flying dunks never get old. Is overreacting to summer league performances just part of the Spartan experience?

A key theme that emerged was the sudden exit of Michigan’s Dusty May, triggering questions about the...

Big Ten powers gear up for a season of high stakes and sky-high expectations. Oregon’s fans are asking: Is this finally the year Dan Lanning leads the Ducks to a national championship? Ohio State faces questions about the Arthur Smith-led offense and Ryan Day’s fourth-quarter strategy, while USC and Washington both eye playoff runs amidst roster shakeups and the spotlight on Demond Williams’ development. The Big 10 Squad breaks down the top moments from the past decade, celebrate the network’s 10-year anniversary, and debate the biggest 2026 storylines for each program. From Chip Kelly’s bold play-calling and Jack Sawye...

Michigan State Spartans football notches key recruiting wins, but questions loom about the 2027 class's national ranking. Can Caleb Johnson and Don Spillers spark the first-year head coach bump seen at programs like Florida, UCLA, and Cal? Matt Sheehan spotlights essential victories over rivals for top talent, analyzing why the Spartans remain outside the top 40 despite renewed energy and promising commits. The conversation tackles the elusive impact of star rankings, MSU’s donor dynamics, and the strategies needed to catch up with recruiting heavyweights. Matt Sheehan also addresses the turmoil surrounding the Board of Trustees and the university’s leadership cris...

Chaos reigns at Michigan State University as boardroom infighting and leadership turmoil threaten the future of Spartan Athletics. Can alumni, fans, and even Tom Izzo’s outrage spark real change, or is Spartan Nation destined to endure endless dysfunction at the hands of a divided Board of Trustees? Matt Sheehan and David Harns dissect the fallout from J. Batt’s abrupt departure to Kentucky, President Kevin Guskiewicz’s resignation, and the controversial MSU Board’s role in ongoing instability. Key topics include the search for a new Athletic Director, the staying power of Spartan Ventures, Tom Izzo’s fiery public sta...

Michigan State Spartans celebrate a decade of unforgettable moments—can the new recruiting class recapture past glory? Matt Sheehan breaks down the Spartans’ 15th commitment for 2027, Don Spillers, a versatile Detroit Martin Luther King standout who chose Michigan State over Illinois. The analysis spotlights positional debates—will Spillers thrive as a safety or wide receiver?—while highlighting crucial in-state recruiting victories and the challenges of building a top-40 class. Counting down the Spartans’ top 10 moments from the past 10 years, Matt Sheehan relives legendary games including Kenneth Walker’s five-touchdown explosion against Michigan, Cassius Winston’s Final Four heroics, and iconic comebac...

Michigan State Spartans face organizational chaos as Athletic Director J Batt departs for Kentucky, marking the program’s fourth AD since 2021. Mounting frustration grows among fans and alumni as board of trustees’ infighting and failed ethics reform drive top leaders away, raising urgent questions about who would take over such a challenging role in East Lansing.

Host Matt Sheehan unpacks the ripple effects on Spartans football and basketball, including the promising commitment of four-star offensive lineman Caleb Johnson and the debut of new MSUFCU jersey patches across all varsity sports. The conversation focused on whether recent recruiting wins...

Big Ten powers rally against Texas Tech over Brendan Sorsby’s controversial eligibility fight. As the Red Raiders attempt to play Sorsby despite NCAA regulations, Big Ten schools refuse all non-conference competition, igniting a heated debate about integrity, NIL chaos, and the role of judges in college football. Is this a Texas Tech scandal, an NCAA crisis, or a sign the sport is spinning out of control? The Locked On Big Ten Squad breaks down why Sorsby’s 9,000 betting violations set off a conference-wide backlash, if conferences—not the NCAA—hold the real power, and how coaches like Joey McGuire...

Michigan State football faces recruiting challenges as first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald's staff battles to climb the national rankings. Are concerns about NIL resources, recent NCAA sanctions, and a lackluster 2027 class justified—or is patience the answer for Spartan fans eager for a turnaround? The conversation spotlights Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu insider take on prospect camp standouts, the impact of losing targets like Gideon Gash and Don Spillers, and positional needs from linebacker to defensive line. Analysis covers how Pat Fitzgerald’s vocal approach and unique staff evaluation tactics are shaping Michigan State’s recruiting culture. Key questions revolv...

Michigan State Spartans’ turfgrass program takes center stage at the World Cup, supplying elite playing surfaces for all 16 stadiums. Meanwhile, the Spartans’ 2027 football recruiting class heats up as host Matt Shannon highlights top commits, including four-star defensive lineman Ohimai Ozolua and sleeper wide receiver Zach Forbish from Texas. Which under-the-radar prospects could shape the program’s future? Key discussion points include the science behind creating World Cup-ready turf, comparisons to the 1994 installation at the Pontiac Silver Dome, and the challenges of meeting FIFA’s specs in diverse stadiums. Plus, hear practical lawn care tips and insights on Michigan State’s O-line r...

Michigan State Spartans’ 2027 recruiting class gains momentum as Ryan Pankey, a 6’6” tight end from Colorado, commits following Pat Fitzgerald’s weekend “Pat signals.” Can Michigan State crack the top 25, or will the ceiling for Fitzgerald’s squad fall short of fans’ expectations?

Matt Sheehan breaks down the latest commitments, including Pankey’s physical playing style and the state of tight end and offensive line recruiting for the Spartans. Main topics include the impact of potential future commits like Caleb Johnson and Anthony Cartwright, current Big Ten recruiting rankings, and the competitive landscape for coveted prospects. Plus, Matt Sheehan shares can...

Michigan State Spartans shake up their 2027 recruiting class with key commitments at edge, cornerback, and wide receiver—can fresh talent jumpstart a much-needed rebuild in East Lansing? Matt Sheehan breaks down the arrivals of Lawrence Kanneh, Shyne Parham, Zach Forbish, and Henry Sakalas, while spotlighting the loss of top target Gideon Gash to Texas Tech and questioning what it will take for the Spartans to recapture recruiting momentum in the new Big Ten landscape. Key discussions include the impact of Pat Fitzgerald’s first offseason moves, the significance of Max Bullough joining the coaching staff, and the importance of vete...

The Big Ten and SEC unite to push back against Congress’s sweeping plan to overhaul college football, setting up a powerful standoff that could reshape the sport’s future. With player compensation, playoff formats, and media rights on the line, can any legislation succeed without college football’s biggest powerhouses on board? The Big 10 Squad dissects the motives behind congressional intervention in NCAA sports, conference politics, and the relentless pursuit of media power. The crew shifts focus to Wisconsin Badgers football, debating whether Luke Fickell’s squad can clear a six-and-a-half win total and what’s at stake for his jo...

Michigan State Spartans fans question the program’s recruiting approach as the football team sits outside the top 50 in national rankings. Should the fanbase trust the process, or is it time to panic? Matt Sheehan and Jason Killop break down the Spartans’ prospects after two high-stakes official visit weekends, analyzing the pursuit of four-star recruits like Caleb Johnson and Anthony Cartwright, the commitment of linebacker Matthew Brady, and the surprising swings in defensive line targets. Key topics include the challenges of competing with Big Ten rivals in NIL battles, the importance of landing top trench prospects like Cory Laga and...

Michigan State Spartans fans brace for a “Last Dance” as Jeremy Fears Jr. returns, Coen Carr electrifies, and Tom Izzo eyes one more shot at glory. Is this the best title window MSU basketball will see for years? Matt Sheehan and Dave Klein break down why this season feels different, analyze what Jeremy Fears Jr. must add to his game to vault into NBA contention, and spotlight the fierce competition brewing at the center position between Jesse Bonk, Ethan Taylor, and John McCulloch. With Ethan Taylor and Jasiah Jervis making Team USA’s U18 squad, Michigan State’s future looks br...

Michigan State Spartans kick off official visit season with a star-studded recruiting weekend, but will the momentum translate to commitments? Top prospects like four-star Deontay Malone, Gideon Gash, Caleb Johnson, and Reinaldo Perez eyed East Lansing, while existing commits Savior Owens and helped anchor the buzz. Host Matt Sheehan breaks down the high-profile visit list, the Spartans’ positioning in fierce recruiting battles against programs like Ohio State and Texas Tech, and why patience might pay off with these blue-chip targets. Key topics include the significance of new staff additions like Max Bullough and Lavar Woods, the importance of offensive li...

Big Ten football faces a seismic shift as talk of a 70-school “Super Mega Conference” heats up. Could college athletics see relegation like the Premier League, or will tradition—with teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and UCLA—hold firm amidst swirling changes? The panel breaks down the latest bipartisan Congressional proposal that targets NIL regulation, transfer portal chaos, and the Lane Kiffin rule for mid-season coaching exits—all set to upend the college sports landscape. The Big 10 Squad leads a spirited debate featuring bold super conference visions, calls for NIL salary caps, and challenges to schools: “stop being poor” and keep pace...

Michigan State Spartans football recruiting heats up as 13 official visitors hit East Lansing, highlighted by four-star offensive tackle Caleb Johnson—a top target locked in a fierce battle with Indiana and Iowa. Recruiting insider Justin Thind and Matt Sheehan break down which future stars to watch, spotlighting Don Spillers as a key commit watch and dissecting the high-stakes race for highly-rated defensive linemen like Reinaldo Perez and Nehemiah Ombati. Position group strategy and under-the-radar prospects steal the spotlight, with linebacker Matthew Brady and receiver Isaiah Alvarez singled out as potential game-changers. The conversation also explores the escalating NIL arms ra...

Jeremy Fears Jr. returns to Michigan State, elevating the Spartans to Big Ten contender status and igniting hopes for a Final Four run. Matt Sheehan breaks down Fears’ historic assist numbers, improved three-point shooting, and crucial defensive presence, while assessing what his comeback means for Tom Izzo’s roster, leadership, and the development of rising talent like Carlos Medlock. Spotlight shifts to Michigan State football as Matt Sheehan dissects Alessio Milivojevic’s national ranking, explores ESPN’s “Free Fallin” tiering, and debates if the quarterback is flying under the radar. Updates on potential defensive line reinforcement with Calgary’s Frank Ibello...

Michigan State Spartans rocked as President Kevin Guskiewicz exits, taking an $800,000 pay cut to join Clemson and blasting the MSU Board of Trustees on his way out. Can MSU Athletics weather this leadership crisis, or is a major rebuild on the horizon?

Matt Sheehan breaks down the turmoil surrounding Michigan State University's administration, the impact on the Spartans' football and basketball programs, and how the board’s infighting may derail vital initiatives like the Spartan Ventures capital campaign. Key topics include the stability of athletic director J. Bat, recent budget cuts, and ongoing instability since the departure of...

Michigan State Spartans fans demand a new era under Pat Fitzgerald—will this team finally regain its identity and discipline? Matt Sheehan tackles pressing questions about realistic rebuild timelines, recruiting needs, and what true success looks like as the Spartans target a return to bowl contention.

Discussion heats up around roster depth, offensive line overhauls, and the crucial need for a consistent pass rush. Can stars like Will Alessio Milivojevic stay and thrive? How will Joe Rossi’s defense and Lavar Woods’ special teams change the on-field product? Listeners weigh in with their must-see improvements, from avoiding lopsid...