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.