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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.