In this episode of The Player and The Fan, we dive into Michigan Football’s red-hot recruiting streak and the rise of new defensive line coach Lou Esposito, who’s quickly becoming one of the nation’s top recruiters. We also touch on the renewed energy around Michigan Basketball and what fans should be excited about heading into the season. Plus, an Ohio State wide receiver makes a bold guarantee—he might want to be careful what he wishes for. Tune in for smart analysis, real talk, and a little shade where it’s earned.

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Topic: Warde Manuel’s NIL Stance, Michigan Recruiting Buzz & Defensive Predictions

This week, we break down the latest headlines shaking up Michigan football—from Warde Manuel’s public comments on the new NIL Clearing House to fresh recruiting developments and a bold debate: Will this year’s defense be better than last season’s elite unit?

In this episode:

• 🏛️ Warde Manuel & NIL – We unpack the Michigan AD’s recent remarks on the NIL Clearing House and what it means for Michigan’s stance in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
• 📬 Recruiting Rundown – From rising prospects to recent commits, we dive into the latest Michigan recruiting news and what it signals for the program’s long-term trajectory.
• 🔐 Defense 2025: Boom or Bust? – Is this year’s defense set to surpass last season’s performance? We compare talent, depth, and scheme adjustments that could make this unit even scarier—or not.

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Plugged In, Chris Howard dives headfirst into the deep end of what’s really going on in sports right now — and trust, it’s bigger than the box score.

We’re breaking down how youth sports have turned into a cash-grab country club, where talent takes a backseat to bank accounts. Then it’s on to the NCAA and the chaos of NIL — billions on the table, no leadership in sight, and players left to navigate a broken system.

We also dig into the WNBA’s so-called “physicality problem.” Is the league too tough… or are new fans just uncomfortable watching confident Black women play with fire?

And finally — ESPN. The brand that used to run the sports world is now caught between viral noise and an identity crisis. Is it still the leader, or just chasing clout?

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s all right here on Plugged In. Hit play.

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This week on Plugged In, we’re coming in hot — no filters, no loyalty pledges, no fake leadership. From Santa Ono’s epic cosplay collapse to the SEC’s quiet power grab with their so-called “loyalty pledges,” we’re breaking down what happens when institutions try to play both sides and end up standing for nothing.

We’re talking culture clash:

• Why Terry Bradshaw is right to keep Aaron Rodgers out of Pittsburgh
• How Gabby Thomas handled a FanDuel clown with more class than he deserved
• What Derek Carr taught the league about real integrity
• And why the Oklahoma City Thunder are proving you don’t need a superteam to build a dynasty — just patience, vision, and guts

Plus, we check in on the Knicks' messy breakup with Thibs, Stefon Diggs’ viral yacht moment, and Finebaum’s wild claim that Texas is winning it all. Spoiler: I’m not buying it.

And before we wrap — a tribute to the late, great John Brenkus, the mind behind Sports Science, and a reminder that even giants among us fight invisible battles.

This ain’t just a Round of Sports — this is a reality check. Let’s get into it.

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In this episode of The Player and The Fan, we break down the shifting tides across Michigan Athletics—from the gridiron to the hardwood and even the president’s office.

🏈 We kick things off with Michigan Football, diving into the fallout from Sherrone Moore’s two-game suspension tied to the lingering sign-stealing scandal, the renewed recruiting push now that sanctions are lifted, and the high-stakes expectations for the 2025 season.

🧠 Then we ask the big question: If the offensive line isn’t ready, should Bryce Underwood start anyway? We break down what the true freshman brings to the table, and whether Michigan can afford to develop him behind a shaky front five.

🏀 Finally, we shift to the hardwood, where Dusty May has already made his mark. After winning the Big Ten Tournament and landing a top-tier recruiting class, is Michigan Basketball officially back? And what happens if Yaxel Lendeborg declares for the draft?

Big questions, bold takes—tap in and ride with us.

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On today’s show…

We’re breaking down why Shedeur Sanders didn’t go in the first round — and why that had nothing to do with talent.

We’ll talk about Belichick’s new era at UNC… and why I’m side-eyeing that whole situation.

Plus, I’ve got thoughts on Ryan Clark calling for Mike Tomlin to move on, and WNBA opening weekend — Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, the Liberty, and the smoke that’s coming.

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In this episode of Plugged In with Chris Howard, we’re diving into the shifting power dynamics across the sports world — from college campuses to front offices and NFL war rooms.

🔥 Chris breaks down the quarterback drama at Tennessee and asks the real question: who’s guiding these young stars — and are they helping or hurting their futures?

🏈 We take a hard look at Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock and why the noise around Deion might be exactly what the NFL needs — or fears.

📉 Is Nico Harrison out in Dallas? Chris gives you the blunt truth about the Luka trade, the optics, and why the Mavericks may have already made their biggest mistake.

🏀 Michigan basketball is back. Coach Dusty May is winning the transfer portal and building a roster that screams Final Four — or better.

🌎 Plus, in our new segment Round of Sports, Chris hits five quick-hitter headlines from across the globe — golf, soccer, women’s hoops, collectibles, and more.

💥 Bold takes. Big picture. No spin.

This is Plugged In with Chris Howard. Let’s go.

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In this episode, we’re diving into the stories shaping the sports world right now.

We start with the end of an era—Elena Delle Donne officially announces her retirement from the WNBA. We break down her legendary career, the battles she faced behind the scenes, and what her departure means for the league.

Then, it’s Lamar Jackson vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a legal battle over the number 8. Yeah, you heard that right—a trademark fight over a number. We get into what it means for athlete branding and the fine line between identity and marketing.

Next, we shift to college hoops, where this year’s Men’s Final Four is stacked—four No. 1 seeds, all powerhouse programs. We break down the matchups, spotlight the key players, and set the stage for a massive showdown in San Antonio.

Plus, some big moves on the NFL front: Geno Smith inks a new deal with the Raiders, and Joe Milton gets traded to the Cowboys. We unpack what those moves mean for both teams and how they could shake up the quarterback landscape heading into the draft.

It's legacy, branding, hoops, and QB chaos—all in one episode.

Let’s get into it.

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