Spartan Confidential Podcast

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Michigan State’s ugly road win at Indiana before discussing a noon kickoff time for the Michigan game. The guys also breakdown rumors of Mel Tucker being a candidate for the LSU job and the Spartans being left off the initial Associated Press Top 25 poll for college basketball. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s sloppy-but-explosive win at Rutgers before previewing another road trip to Bloomington where the Spartans will face a struggling Indiana team. Also, takeaways from Big Ten basketball media days. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s electrifying win against Western Kentucky and impressive QB Bailey Zappe before previewing the Spartans trip to New Jersey to play Rutgers. Also, your questions and takeaways from Michigan State basketball’s open practice. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s wild OT win vs. Nebraska before discussing key transfers and previewing the Spartans next game against the dynamic passing game of Western Kentucky. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s impressive road win in the heat at Miami before previewing the Spartans primetime showdown with Nebraska. Also, 4-star big man Jaxon Kohler commits and random discussions regarding #TuckComin, “The Woodshed,” Sparty, “deep water” and The Wire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s dominant home-opening win against Youngstown State before previewing the Spartans trip to Miami. Also, gameday observations from inside Spartan Stadium. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel react to Michigan State’s impressive season-opening win at Northwestern in which Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III ran for 264 yards and four TDs. Also, a look ahead to the home opener vs. Youngstown State and takeaways from Kyle’s interview with new athletic director Alan Haller See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Michigan State hiring Alan Haller as its new athletic director before previewing the Spartans’ opener against Northwestern. Also Tom Izzo offers a big man from Utah and predictions for the football season. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 44 of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast, reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Emoni Bates’ commitment to Memphis and how it affects Michigan State. Also, observations from the football team’s latest open practice as the season draws near. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the latest updates from Michigan State football practice as the season draws near. Also, PG Tre Holloman commits to Michigan State basketball and a potential schism between MSU President Samuel Stanley and the Board of Trustees in the search for a new athletic director. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Bill Beekman’s short-but-eventful tenure as Michigan State athletic director before discussing potential replacements. How much credit does Beekman deserve for steadying the ship after the Larry Nassar scandal? Matt then describes his first day at football practice since 2019 before Brandon and Kyle react to Aaron Henry going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. The show ends with yet another discussion about the future of Emoni Bates. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Aaron Henry’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft. Where will he be picked? And what is his NBA ceiling? The guys then transition to football to discuss their takeaways from Big Ten media days before finishing up their positions previews with linebackers, secondary and special teams. How will transfers fit into the back seven? And will Mel Tucker be able to get the new faces up to speed in a single fall camp? Also, Antonio Gates Jr. commits to Michigan State and why special teams should improve this season. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel look ahead to this week’s Big Ten media days in Indianapolis with some of the biggest questions they have. Who starts at QB? And how will the transfers fit in? The guys then continue with their position previews by looking at the offensive and defensive lines. The O-line has struggled in recent seasons, but the Spartans return plenty of experience and an impact transfer in Jarret Horst, so there is room for optimism. Conversely, D-line appears to be the strength of the team. Just how dominant can the group be? Also, stories from previous media days and a restaurant recommendation from Matt. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel return for another preview episode this time taking a deep dive into Michigan State’s pass catchers. The Spartans appear to be well positioned at WR where Jalen Nailor and Jayden Reed return, but who is most likely to step up into the No. 3 role? And what’s going on with Ricky White? Tight end play was brutal in 2020 and it’s a big mystery heading into 2021. Is this finally the year for 4-star recruit Trenton Gillison? And will Purdue transfer Maliq Carr play WR or TE? Also, tight end Jack Nickel commits to Michigan State and Big Game Boomer must be stopped. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel begin their football position previews with the quarterbacks and running backs. Who has the early edge at signal caller between Peyton Thorne and Anthony Russo? And which guys will emerge from a revamped running back room now that transfers Harold Joiner and Kenneth Walker have joined the team? Other topics include the basketball team’s game vs. Louisville, a football series vs. Washington and what legendary Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher will bring to Mel Tucker’s staff. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel return from a summer break to catch you up on all the latest news surrounding Michigan State athletics. Topics include the basketball team’s announced game vs. Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, staff changes, and the impact pending name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation could have on the Spartans and college sports in general. The guys also breakdown Mel Tucker’s latest football commits including QB target Katin Houser who de-committed from Boise State after visiting East Lansing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel return from a break to discuss the long-awaited end of the NCAA’s recruiting dead period. What does it mean for Mel Tucker to finally get some recruits on campus? Tom Izzo also has some top tier talent on campus this weekend. Who else should Spartan fans keep their eye on? The guys also discuss Izzo’s changing views on transfers/recruiting and if Mike Krzyzewski retirement announcement will have any impact on the head man at Michigan State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who’s next? MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel spend an episode talking about Michigan State’s top recruiting targets in the 2022 class on both the basketball court and the football field. Topics include Tom Izzo’s rare recruitment of a 5-star big man from California, an emphasis on the frontcourt and a potential QB carousel with Florida State. Also, Foster Loyer transfers to Davidson and the effort to save Lansing’s iconic breakfast joint, The Golden Harvest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel examine Emoni Bates decommitment from Michigan State. What went into the decision and what’s next for him and the Spartans? The guys also discuss the 2021 NFL Draft, in which Michigan State had its 80-year streak snapped, as well as unfortunate news regarding 3-star cornerback commit Steffan Johnson. Also, your questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel discuss Michigan State’s spring game. Who stood out on offense and defense? The guys also chat about QB Theo Day, who was one of nine players to enter the transfer portal this week and Quavaris Crouch, a former four-star linebacker who plans to transfer in from Tennessee. The show ends with some discussion about the Spartans three NFL Draft prospects: Shakur Brown, Naquan Jones and Antjuan Simmons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss what fans can expect from Michigan State’s first spring game under Mel Tucker. Which players are we keeping our eye on? The guys also discuss Elijah Collins and how his battle with COVID-19 likely effected his play last season before talking about Foster Loyer becoming the latest MSU basketball player to transfer. The episode ends with a little love and appreciation for Joshua Langford, who announced his decision to retire from basketball this week. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Aaron Henry’s rise from three-star prospect to likely NBA Draft pick by recollecting on his time at Michigan State. What were his best moments? And does he have the tools to make it on the next level? The guys also chat about Thomas Kithier’s decision to transfer and why some fans need to be better on social media before breaking down Tom Izzo’s reported hiring of Doug Wojcik. Also, the latest news from spring football. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss longtime Tom Izzo assistant Dane Fife’s departure from Michigan State to return to Indiana. What are the Spartans losing? The guys then discuss some possible replacements before diving into spring football. Why did QB Anthony Russo leave Temple? And what’s up with Elijah Collins? Also, could the 2013 football team have won the National Championship? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the ongoing point guard shuffle within the Michigan State basketball program as Northeastern standout Tyson Walker commits and Rocket Watts enters the transfer portal. Why didn’t Watts work in East Lansing? And can Walker play at the high major level? The guys also discuss the latest spring football news, including the impact of transfers Drew Jordan and Kenneth Walker III, potential improvement on the offensive line and freshman tight end Kameron Allen’s early impact. Also, your questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss Michigan State’s disappointing basketball season which culminated with an OT First Four loss to UCLA before looking ahead to potential roster changes in the offseason. How active will the Spartans be in the transfer portal? The guys then look ahead to spring football. How will year two under Mel Tucker be different? Who has the early edge at QB? And will all the new faces be able to adapt to their new surroundings? The episode ends with spring game discussion, specifically if fans will be allowed in Spartan Stadium on April 24 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss a nervous Selection Sunday for Michigan State before previewing their blue blood battle with UCLA in the First Four. What should Spartan fans expect from the Bruins and how do they match up with Michigan State? The guys then share their brackets by providing potential upsets and matchups to watch before revealing Final Four picks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel look back at Michigan State basketball’s remarkable 16-day stretch before previewing its Big Ten Tournament matchup with Maryland. What went wrong in the last meeting between the Spartans and Terps? The guys also discuss a potential third meeting with Michigan and whether Aaron Henry was snubbed from second-team all-conference honors. The episode ends with an update on the football team’s offseason conditioning program and a look at the Spartans’ draft hopefuls. How likely is it that MSU’s 79-year draft streak will continue? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michigan and Michigan State will play each other twice in men's basketball this week. In a special crossover episode, MLive's beat writers for the two programs break down how the teams got here, what's at stake, and what to expect in the two matchups. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel breakdown Michigan State’s hard-fought upset of No. 5 Illinois. Topics include the Spartans usage of a trimmed down rotation and big man by committee to slow Kofi Cockburn, as well as Joshua Langford turning back the clock. The guys also discuss what MSU needs to do down the stretch to make the NCAA tournament and linebacker Ben VanSumeren’s transfer from Michigan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel dissect Tom Izzo’s comments about his players being “up for an audition” in the final weeks of the season. What is he really talking about? The guys also discuss the de-commitment of 2022 five-star big man Enoch Boakye, Michigan State football’s latest incoming transfer and if there will be fans at Spartan Stadium this fall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin discuss Michigan State basketball’s much-needed win against Penn State including the insertion of Malik Hall into the starting lineup, continued struggles at point guard and Marcus Bingham Jr.’s emergence at the center position. The guys also discuss the Big Ten’s plans for a conference tournament in Indianapolis. Also, the pros and cons of covering games from home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss what it will take for Michigan State to make the NCAA tournament after its latest road losses to Ohio State and Iowa and recap National Signing Day in which the Spartans lost Rayshaun Benny to Michigan but gained a potential two-sport recruit Keon Coleman. Also, Matt Ishbia’s record, $32 million donation to Michigan State athletics and Tom Izzo Court, as well as listener questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel breakdown Michigan State’s abysmal return to action against Rutgers. Is this fixable? Who’s to blame? And what do Spartans’ NCAA tournament chances look like now with road games at Ohio State and Iowa up next? The guys also talk about a new coach on Mel Tucker’s staff and answer listener questions heading into the weekend. Also, the joys of sledding. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Michigan State basketball still out due to COVID-19 cases within the program, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel take some time to answer listener questions about football, basketball and recruiting. Topics include Mike Tressel’s departure for Cincinnati, the pros, and cons of MSU basketball’s COVID-19 “break” and the football team’s scholarship situation. Also, how confident are we that the Spartans will make the NCAA tournament? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss the positive COVID-19 cases within the Michigan State basketball program. How many games will be postponed? And what is the significance, if any, of the timing following a brutal loss vs. Purdue? Also, players continue to transfer in and out of Mel Tucker’s football program. Plus, which freshmen are enrolling early? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel return for the first show of 2021 to discuss Michigan State’s return to form in a win against Rutgers. Topics include Aaron Henry’s evolution into a superstar, AJ Hoggard’s stabilization of the point guard position and the continued issues at center. The guys also recap the latest transfers in and out of the football program and answer listener questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin examine Michigan State basketball’s struggles in Big Ten play. What are the real issues with this team? Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. Topics include instability at point guard and center, strange lineups, puzzling substitution patterns and the massive leadership void left by the departures of Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. Also, what happened the last time the Spartans started Big Ten play 0-3 in the 2001-02 season and is Saturday’s game at Nebraska a “must win?” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Festivus episode of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast, reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel air their sports related grievances before discussing the Spartans loss at Northwestern and previewing what is sure to be another defensive slugfest with the Badgers on Christmas Day. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion and Matt Wenzel discuss Mel Tucker’s first early signing day in which 16 players from across the country joined the Michigan State football team. They also discuss three marquee prospects that remain unsigned and what graduate transfer QB Anthony Russo’s arrival from Temple means for the program. Other topics include key players declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft, Payton Thorne’s second quarter magic at Penn State and a preview of the Maryland game that was canceled mid-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Matt Wenzel and Kyle Austin explain why the Land Grant Trophy is unquestionably the best trophy in sports before previewing the Spartans trip to Penn State on Saturday. The guys also discuss the Spartans blow out loss to Ohio State and Michigan State basketball’s close wins against Detroit Mercy and Western Michigan. Also, will the Spartans postponed game against Virginia, aka the Hauser Bowl, be rescheduled? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel return from a Thanksgiving break to react to a pair of massive wins for Michigan State. First, they breakdown the Spartans’ first ever win at Cameron Indoor Stadium behind Rocket Watts, Aaron Henry and some surprising performances off the bench. Could this be one of Tom Izzo’s best defensive teams? The guys then shift gears to football to breakdown the Spartans’ shocking win against No. 8 Northwestern before asking the question, does Michigan State have a chance vs. Ohio State? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel discuss a wide variety of topics including the cancelation of Michigan State’s game at Maryland and Payton Thorne’s debut at QB in the Spartans’ loss to Indiana. The guys then shift gears to hoops as two all-time favorites, Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman, begin their basketball journey in the NBA. What kind of impact can they make with their new teams? And were they under-drafted? Thanks for listening. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Matt Wenzel and Kyle Austin discuss the good and bad of Michigan State football including a “totally unacceptable” loss to Iowa and the huge in-state commitment of top-200 player Rayshaun Benny. Also, hoops news including Tom Izzo’s COVID-19 diagnoses and the 2021 class signing their national letters of intent. We finish with a preview of Michigan State vs. 3-0 Indiana. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s shocking upset of Michigan in the Big House behind QB Rocky Lombardi, true freshman WR Ricky White and a perfectly executed game plan from Mel Tucker and the coaching staff. The guys then look ahead to the Spartans trip to Iowa City where they will meet the 0-2 Hawkeyes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, MLive’s Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s sloppy season-opening loss to Rutgers. What went wrong? Lots of things, but the guys agree it wasn’t Rocky Lombardi’s fault. Were there any bright spots? They then turn their attention to Michigan to discuss how Mel Tucker is approaching the rivalry before answering listener questions, making predictions and discussing what the Spartans need to do to pull off a massive upset on Halloween in the Big House. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 300 days since Michigan State played a football game, but the season opener is finally here. In this episode, Brandon Champion is joined by Matt Wenzel and Kyle Austin to discuss Mel Tucker's Michigan State coaching debut against Rutgers. Who will start at QB for the Spartans? Will Rutgers be improved under new (old) coach Greg Schiano? Plus, the guys answer listener questions and make some predictions for the game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2021 college basketball season will be unlike any before, but Tom Izzo returns tons of talent as the Spartans aim for their fourth-straight Big Ten regular season title. In this episode of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast, Brandon Champion and Kyle Austin dissect some early questions about the roster. Will Foster Loyer play more? Can Joshua Langford stay healthy? And what will the starting lineup look like on opening night? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mel Tucker got his first real look at his roster in a scrimmage at Spartan Stadium earlier this week, the Spartans first game situation since the Pinstripe Bowl in December 2019. So, what’s the roster outlook as the calendar creeps closer to the season-opener against Rutgers on Oct. 24? Questions at quarterback, along the offensive line and in the secondary appear to be the most pressing. Who’s stepping up early on at practice? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's almost October! In this episode Brandon Champion is joined by MLive Michigan State beat reporters Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel to breakdown the third edition of Michigan State’s 2020 football schedule. Is 4-4 a realistic prediction? Also included is a look at Michigan State basketball’s non-conference schedule, the latest opt-ins and early discussions regarding three key players: QB Rocky Lombardi, RB Elijah Collins and WR Jayden Reed. Thanks for listening and go green! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Spartan Confidential podcast, host Brandon Champion and Michigan State beat reporters Matt Wenzel and Kyle Austin discuss the ramifications of the Big Ten’s decision to play football after all, what COVID-19 testing will look like and the unique aspects of the proposed 8+1 conference-only schedule. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices