PODCAST · sports
Spartan Savants
by Travis Tyler
A podcast about the Michigan State Spartans. MSU alums Travis Tyler, Winston Urwiller, and Nick Homberg discuss the latest news surrounding Michigan State sports.
Episodes
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Episode 101: What's Next for the Spartans: Illinois Recap & Northwestern Preview
Michigan State dropped its homecoming game against Illinois in overtime. The Spartan Savants dissect the loss and what lies ahead for the Spartans against No. 25 Northwestern on Saturday.
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Episode 100: Still A Long Way to Go For the Michigan State Football Program
Welcome to Episode 100 of Spartan Savants! In this milestone episode, the guys dive deep into the state of the Michigan State football program, reflecting on recent performances and the long road ahead in building sustainable success in the Big Ten. Episode 100 Milestone: Reflecting on 100…
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Episode 99: Spartans Get Reality Check As Injury Bug Bites
Spartan Savants - Episode 99 Michigan State hit a brutal bump in the road with a rough outing against Nebraska. In this episode, Trav, Willy, and Nicky break down where things went wrong, assess the growing injury list, and analyze how The Spartans can move forward as the schedule heats up. Plus,...
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Episode 98: MSU's Moral Victory
The Spartan Savants are back for Episode 98 as they approach the century mark! Willie, Nicky, and Trav react to Michigan State’s 27-10 loss to Notre Dame in South Bend. Is there such a thing as an "encouraging loss?" The boys break down the defensive execution, discipline, talent gaps, and...
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Episode 97: Michigan State's First Big Test of the Fitzgerald Era
The Spartan Savants dive into the first major test for Michigan State football under head coach Pat Fitzgerald as the Spartans prepare to hit the road for a massive non-conference matchup against Notre Dame. The guys break down MSU’s early-season momentum, key takeaways from recent performances,...
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Episode 96: Spartans Start 1-0
The Spartans start the season 1–0! Nicky and Trav break down Michigan State's 30–20 win over Toledo, highlight standout players like Cam Edwards, evaluate key Big Ten Week 1 action, and pick their spread bets for a massive slate of Week 2 college football games. Michigan State vs. Toledo Game…
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Episode 95: 2026-27 College Football Preview
Episode 95 The Spartan Savants dive into the upcoming 2026 Michigan State football season and the broader college football landscape. In this episode: Coaching Era: What we want to see in year one under head coach Pat Fitzgerald on the East Lansing sidelines. Awards & Superlatives: Bold player...
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Episode 94: Michigan State Hires New Athletic Director
Michigan State has a new athletic director, and the Spartan Savants break down the hiring of Dan Bartholomae and what it could mean for the future of Spartan Athletics. The guys discuss Bartholomae's background, what he brings to East Lansing and what expectations should come with the hire. And…
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Episode 93: MSU's New-Look Roster, Pat Fitzgerald, AD Moves
Spartan Savants — Episode 93 The Spartan Savants dive into several of the biggest storylines surrounding Michigan State athletics, starting with the football program's ongoing roster reset and what it means for the Spartans heading into the upcoming season. The guys discuss reasonable…
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Episode 92: Michigan State Reaches the Sweet 16 Again
Willy, Nicky, and Trav break down Michigan State's Sweet 16 matchup with UConn and the rest of the remaining NCAA Tournament field.
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Episode 91: March Madness 2026
Willy, Nicky, and Trav break down Michigan State's NCAA Tournament path in a loaded East region and discuss our Final Fours, expectations, and potential sleepers. Plus, the annual Spartan Savants joint bracket.
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Episode 90: Michigan State Rolls Into March
Watch as the Spartan Savants dive into the upcoming games against Rutgers and Michigan, Senior Night, the latest Bracketology projections, and how far the Spartans can go this season.
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Episode 88: Basketball Reality and Big Ten Media Madness
Willy, Nicky, and Trav assess the Michigan State basketball season and what we're hoping for/can expect the rest of the way, give their thoughts on Mick Cronin's outbursts, and break down a fresh batch of MSU disrespect from the media.
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Episode 87: Michigan State’s Win Over Illinois and the Path Ahead in the Big Ten
Willy, Nicky, and Trav recap the Spartans' big win over Illinois, look ahead to Friday's game against Wisconsin, and dive into the Big Ten standings and Michigan State's bracket projections. Plus, some Super Bowl talk after a former Spartan was named MVP.
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Episode 86: Finalizing the Football Recruiting Class, Michigan State Basketball's Annual Slump
Willy, Nicky, and Trav discuss Michigan State keeping WR Samson Gash in a heated recruiting battle, the potential impact of Divine Ugochukwu's injury, what's led to this year's early February slump, and Super Bowl prop bets and picks.
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Episode 85: Spartans Keep Winning Ahead of Pivotal Michigan Battle
Willy, Nicky, and Trav dive into the latest news surrounding the Michigan State basketball team, preview Friday's top-10 matchup against Michigan, and give their thoughts on the Spartans' recently released 2026 football schedule.
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Episode 84: Coaching Additions_ the Transfer Portal_ and Big Ten Basketball
The Spartan Savants discuss Michigan State Football's transfer portal commitments and additions to the coaching staff. Where did we improve? What needs work? Plus, how does the MSU basketball team stack up against the rest of the Big Ten?
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Episode 83: MSU Basketball Talk, Michigan Football Scandal, and the College Football Playoff
The Spartan Savants discuss a busy week of news around college sports and MSU athletics. Join Willy, Nicky, and Trav as they dive into a couple more wins for the Spartan basketball team, Michigan's latest football scandal, the College Football Playoff, and more.
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Episode 82: What Can MSU Expect From Pat Fitzgerald? Featuring the West Lot Pirates
Erik of the Northwestern podcast, "West Lot Pirates," joins Willy and Trav to discuss Pat Fitzgerald's 16-year run with the Wildcats and what Spartan fans can expect from their new coach.
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Episode 81: Duke Loss and College Football Talk
Willy, Nicky, and Trav dive into Michigan State's first loss of the basketball season and some minor Spartan football news. Plus, did Notre Dame deserve a playoff spot? And who's the Heisman frontrunner?
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Episode 80: A Great Time To Be A Spartan
Spartan Nation is buzzing after Michigan State's hire of Pat Fitzgerald to lead the football program. The Spartan Savants give their early impressions of the Fitzgerald Era. Plus, a Big Ten win over Iowa on the hardwood and a pivotal top 10 battle at the Breslin Center this weekend.
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BREAKING: MSU Fires Jonathan Smith, Expected to Hire Veteran Big Ten Coach
Michigan State has fired head football coach Jonathan Smith after two seasons in East Lansing. Reports indicate that the Spartans will hire former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
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Episode 78: Michigan State Basketball's Early Success, Football Free Fall
Willy, Nicky, and Trav recap MSU's loss to Penn State, dropping the Spartans to 0-7 in Big Ten play and further amplifying questions surrounding Jonathan Smith's job security. And this week brings the grueling task of facing Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Luckily, the basketball team is a much-needed...
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Episode 77: Recruiting Violations and a Last Place Matchup
Nicky and Trav discuss the NCAA's punishment for recruiting violations under Mel Tucker, preview Saturday's home finale against Penn State, and pick some key games on the Week 12 schedule.
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Episode 76: Spartans' Big Ten Struggles Continue Into Second Bye Week
Michigan State football heads to its second bye week amid an 0-6 start to Big Ten play. The Spartans were competitive against Minnesota, but is it too little too late? Has Alessio Milivojevic taken over the starting quarterback position? Is there a chance Jonathan Smith gets a third season in…
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Episode 75: Michigan State Searches for Answers Ahead of Minnesota Matchup
After another Big Ten loss to archrival Michigan, tensions are high for the Michigan State Spartans football teams as it travels to Minnesota. Can the Spartans finally get a Big Ten win? Is it time to make a change at quarterback? How much longer will the Jonathan Smith regime last? The Spartan...
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Episode 74: Michigan State Hosts No. 25 Michigan in "That Sucker"
It's Rivalry Week! The Spartans host No. 25 Michigan on Saturday night, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the line. Can MSU pull off the upset? Is Jonathan Smith's job now safe? The Spartan Savants break down the keys to victory and what different results would mean for the overall state of the...
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Episode 73: Can Indiana End the Jonathan Smith Era at Michigan State?
With head football coach Jonathan Smith firmly on the hot seat, does Michigan State have any shot at upsetting No.3 Indiana? How do the situations of other failing coaches across the country impact the Spartans? What does MSU need to return to relevance in the Big Ten? The Spartan Savants discuss.
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Episode 72: Michigan State-UCLA Football Postgame Reaction
The Spartan Savants briefly discuss a disastrous performance against UCLA and weigh in on the state of the MSU Football program. Have we seen enough of Jonathan Smith to call for another coaching change?
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Episode 71: Michigan State Looks for Homecoming Win Against UCLA
Trav and Willy take a look at Michigan State's upcoming game against UCLA as the Spartans try to earn their first Big Ten win of the 2025 college football season. Plus, some high praise for Aidan Chiles from ESPN, who should be at the top of next month's College Football Playoff rankings, and our...
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Episode 70: Michigan State-Nebraska Postgame Reaction
Willy and Trav discuss Saturday's loss to Nebraska. What does it mean for Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State football program? What issues are they facing and can they be fixed?
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Episode 69: Michigan State Visits Nebraska in Battle of Rebuilds
Nicky, Willy, and Trav are joined by Matt Owens of the Common Fan Podcast as they preview this week's football game between Michigan State (3-1) and Nebraska. The guys talk about the game from both sides before announcing our newest "Savant of the Week" and making our weekly picks. 0:33 Michigan...
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Episode 68: Spartans Head to the Bye Week After a Loss to USC
The Spartan Savants discuss the season's first loss, expectations for the season going into the bye week, and the state of the football program. Plus, Savant of the Week and our weekly picks. 1:29 Michigan State loses road game to USC 15:36 What should we expect from the Spartans going forward?...
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Episode 67: Big Ten Play Begins with the Trojan War
The Spartan Savants recap a win over Youngstown State, preview a challenging Big Ten opener on the road against No. 25 USC, and weigh in on the Jonathan Smith to UCLA talk. 1:27 Michigan State vs. Youngstown State Recap 16:23 Jonathan Smith to UCLA 25:47 Michigan State vs. USC Football Preview...
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Episode 66: Spartans Win OT Thriller, Look for 3-0 Start vs. Youngstown State
Willy, Nicky, and Trav discuss Michigan State's statement overtime win against Boston College, the upcoming nonconference matchup with Youngstown State, an unusual kickoff time for the Big Ten opener against USC, and our thoughts and expectations for the MSU football team moving forward. Plus…
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Episode 65: Michigan State Beats Western Michigan, Enters “Must Win” vs. Boston College
The Spartan Savants are back for Week 2 of the college football season. This week, we give our thoughts on the season-opening win over Western Michigan and why this week's game against Boston College is a "must-win." 2:00 Michigan State-Western Michigan Recap 9:34 The Good 14:06 The Bad 19:13 The...
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Episode 64: College Football Season, Michigan State vs Western Michigan Preview
The Spartan Savants give some bold predictions for the MSU football season, predict conference champions and Heisman Trophy contenders throughout the country, and dive into the Spartans' Friday-night season opener against Western Michigan. Plus, more game picks and the newest "Savant of the…
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Episode 63: MSU Wraps Up Fall Camp and Michigan's Punishment
The Spartan Savants discuss their takeaways as the MSU football team concludes fall camp and briefly touch on Michigan's penalties from the NCAA's cheating scandal investigation. Plus, the return of Miss the Vis and our weekly picks segment. 0:15 Intro 2:00 Savant of the Week 2:59 Takeaways as…
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Episode 62: 2025 MSU Football Talk & Schedule Breakdown Feat. Matt Sheehan (Locked On Spartans)
The Spartan Savants are back again! This time we're joined by MSU podcasting royalty as we analyze the 2025 football schedule. Plus, additional thoughts from Willy, Nicky, and Trav on some of the latest news and headlines around college football.
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Episode 61: New Athletic Director, State of Spartan Athletics, Football Reset
The Spartan Savants discuss the Alan Haller Era, the hiring of J Batt as MSU's new athletic director, and the state of the Spartan football program.
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Episode 60: 2024-25 MSU Basketball Wrap Up
The Spartans Savants discuss the season-ending Elite 8 loss to Auburn, reflect on the season that was, and look ahead at the future of Spartan basketball and college sports in general now that we have to deal with NIL and the transfer portal.
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Episode 59: Survive and Advance
Trav, Nicky, and Willy recap the Spartans' first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, dive into some other games and college basketball stuff, preview the Sweet 16 matchup with Ole Miss, and make their picks for Thursday and Friday's Sweet 16 games.
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Episode 58: 2025 March Madness Preview
Join the Spartan Savants as they dive into March Madness with a brief discussion of the MSU vs Bryant first-round games, some general bracket talk, and fill out our annual Spartan Savants bracket.
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MSU-Michigan Postgame Reaction: Spartans Top Wolverines on Senior Day
The Spartan Savants dive into the latest controversy surrounding the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry and look ahead to the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness.
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Episode 56: BIG. TEN. CHAMPS
MSU Basketball is back on top of the Big Ten. Celebrate with the Spartan Savants as we dive into the final 2 regular season games, the Big 10 tournament, and Bracket Science ahead of March Madness. Plus, our thoughts on the Spartans moving a football game to Ford Field.
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Episode 55: Michigan State-Maryland Postgame Reaction
Nick and Trav react to Michigan State's buzzer-beating win over Maryland and briefly discuss beating Michigan and being in the Big Ten title race.
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Episode 54: Positive Vibes are Back
The Spartan Savants dive into two huge wins for Michigan State basketball and a heated rivalry matchup against Michigan with first place in the Big Ten on the line.
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Episode 53: Do Better Please
It was an ugly West Coast road trip for the Spartan basketball team. Trav, Willy, and Nicky dive into MSU's first two Big Ten losses and what it means for the rest of the season. Plus, the football team adds to the 2026 recruiting class mid-recording and a brief look at Super Bowl LIX.
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Episode 52: Not Panicking Yet
It was an ugly West Coast road trip for the Spartan basketball team. Trav, Willy, and Nicky dive into MSU's first two Big Ten losses and what it means for the rest of the season. Plus, the football team adds to the 2026 recruiting class mid-recording and a brief look at Super Bowl LIX.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about the Michigan State Spartans. MSU alums Travis Tyler, Winston Urwiller, and Nick Homberg discuss the latest news surrounding Michigan State sports.
HOSTED BY
Travis Tyler
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Spartan Savants have?
Spartan Savants currently has 131 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Spartan Savants about?
A podcast about the Michigan State Spartans. MSU alums Travis Tyler, Winston Urwiller, and Nick Homberg discuss the latest news surrounding Michigan State sports.
How often does Spartan Savants release new episodes?
Spartan Savants publishes regularly with 131 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Spartan Savants?
You can listen to Spartan Savants on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Spartan Savants?
Spartan Savants is created and hosted by Travis Tyler.
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