Plugged In with Chris Howard

Spring is in the air in Ann Arbor, and that means one thing for the Michigan Wolverines football — spring practices are right around the corner. In this episode of The Player & The Fan, former Wolverine Chris Howard and Glenn Higgins dive into the biggest storylines surrounding Michigan athletics as the football program begins ramping up for the next season.First, the conversation turns to the football field as the Wolverines prepare to open spring practices. What should Michigan fans be watching for? Which position battles could define the upcoming season? And what does the early development of key players mean for Michigan’s championship aspirations?Then the guys shift to the hardwood and ask the question Michigan fans everywhere are debating right now: Is this basketball season National Championship or bust? With expectations soaring, Chris and Glenn break down the pressure facing this team, the roster strengths that make a deep March run possible, and what would actually define success for Michigan this year.Finally, the discussion returns to football as the hosts analyze the offseason moves being made by head coach Kyle Whittingham. From staff changes to recruiting strategy and program structure, they explore how these decisions could reshape Michigan’s trajectory heading into the next season.From spring football storylines to March Madness expectations and major offseason program decisions, this episode covers everything Michigan fans need to know as another exciting chapter of Wolverines athletics begins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is modern quarterback development actually hurting college football? In this episode of The Player & The Fan, we dig into how year-round QB camps, seven-on-seven culture, and highlight-driven high school systems are producing quarterbacks who look polished early—but struggle when the game speeds up in college.We also tackle why Chris isn’t panicking about Michigan football’s tough 2026 schedule. From roster construction to culture, we break down why adversity might actually be the point—and why real programs don’t duck smoke.And yes… we have to talk about Michigan basketball. The close games. The blown leads. The emotional whiplash. The shared PTSD of being all-in every possession and never fully comfortable. If you’ve ever loved Michigan hoops, you already know.Smart debate. Real perspective. Player insight meets fan emotion. That’s The Player & The Fan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Angelique S. Chengelis, the University of Michigan beat writer for The Detroit News, for an inside look at one of the most pivotal moments in Michigan football’s recent history.Angelique breaks down the latest surrounding the Sherrone Moore situation, what she heard with regard to the Michigan coaching search, and how the decision-making unfolded at the highest levels of the program. She also shares insight into what she’s heard about new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, including how his reputation, leadership style, and football philosophy are expected to shape the future of the program.We also dive into the development of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood—what the staff is seeing early, how Michigan plans to bring him along, and what fans should realistically expect as he grows into the role.This is a must-listen conversation packed with reporting, context, and clarity—cutting through the noise to give Michigan fans a grounded, informed view of where the program stands and where it’s headed next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Player & The Fan is BACK — and this one pulls no punches.In this long-awaited episode, Chris and Glenn dive headfirst into the chaos surrounding Michigan football, unpacking everything from the Texas game fallout to the behind-the-scenes turmoil that’s reshaping the program in real time. They don’t rehash headlines—they tell you what’s actually been brewing for months.From leadership failures and adult decisions that put players in impossible positions, to why the Texas loss felt like a symptom—not the disease—this episode is an unfiltered look at how distractions, roster instability, and coaching uncertainty collided at the worst possible momentThe conversation then turns to the future:• Why Michigan must attack the transfer portal—especially at quarterback• The uncomfortable truth about QB development, competition, and meritocracy• Why being a five-star (or highly paid) means nothing if you’re not producing• How real programs operate when winning—not feelings—is the priorityChris brings the player’s perspective fans don’t want to hear but need to understand, while Glenn lays out why this moment, painful as it is, may be exactly what Michigan needed to finally clean house and reset the culture the right way.They also break down why the new staff represents a rare Plan B win, how internal power dynamics are shifting, and why competition—not comfort—is the only path back to elite football.This episode isn’t about panic.It’s about accountability.It’s about reality.And it’s about what it actually takes to win in modern college football.If you want honesty over hopium—this one’s for you. 🎙️💥See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosts Glen and Chris Howard break down The Game — Michigan vs. Ohio State — in this week’s highly anticipated episode of The Player & The Fan.This isn’t just another matchup — it’s the showdown that defines legacies. Michigan will need to play a near-flawless game to walk away victorious, but make no mistake — all the pressure is on Ryan Day. After four straight losses to the Wolverines, the Ohio State head coach enters Ann Arbor with more at stake than ever before: pride, playoff hopes, and his future with the Buckeyes.Glen and Chris dig into:Michigan’s path to victory and the keys to a perfect performanceThe mental edge that comes from owning the rivalryHow Ryan Day’s coaching legacy hangs in the balanceWhy this game will define the Big Ten — and maybe the entire college football playoff pictureIt’s passion. It’s pride. It’s personal. The Game is here — and The Player & The Fan are ready for it.#GoBlue #MichiganFootball #OhioState #TheGame #ThePlayerAndTheFanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Plugged In with Chris Howard, I sit down with one of the most electric and misunderstood personalities in sports — Adam “Pacman” Jones. We dive deep into his journey from West Virginia to the NFL, his family life, his thoughts on sports and gambling in today’s game, and a host of other topics that reveal the man behind the headlines.Pacman also opens up about his hit podcast Politely Raw, where he and TMZ Sports founder Evan Rosenblum take on the biggest stories in sports and culture — unfiltered, unapologetic, and real.One thing I learned during our conversation? What you see isn’t what you get. Tune in to find out exactly what I mean.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Howard and Glenn Higgins are back on The Player and The Fan breaking down Michigan’s win over Michigan State — a solid victory, but not without questions. The guys celebrate the rivalry W, but they’re still looking for more from Bryce Underwood and the offensive play calling.From red zone execution to play design and tempo, Chris and Glenn dig into what’s clicking, what’s not, and why this offense still feels like it’s holding something back. Real talk, honest takes, and that mix of player insight and fan frustration that makes this show a must-listen for Michigan fans everywhere.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Player & The Fan, we dive deep into Michigan’s gritty win over Wisconsin — and what it revealed about the Wolverines heading into USC week. Chris and Glenn break down why the offensive line still isn’t playing up to Michigan’s standard, how wideouts McCaulley and Marsh stepped up when it mattered most, and why dropped passes continue to stall drives. Plus, the guys celebrate the long-awaited return of Rod Moore and what his presence means for this defense down the stretch. Finally, they look ahead to USC — what Michigan must clean up, who needs to rise, and the formula for staying in championship form.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We sit down with our friend Angelique Chengelis, veteran Michigan beat writer for The Detroit News, to take stock of the Wolverines through four games—what’s clicking, what’s still uneven, and how the team’s identity is taking shape. Angelique offers sharp insight on quarterback rhythm and receiver separation, the O-line’s cohesion and run-game consistency, defensive discipline on money downs, and the special-teams details that decide November games. Most importantly, she lays out the must-fix areas Michigan needs to clean up to stay on a true playoff trajectory. Tap in for a smart, candid conversation that cuts through the noise and frames the season with clarity. Listen and subscribe to The Player and The Fan wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michigan leaves Lincoln with a gritty W—but it wasn’t pretty. In this post-game breakdown, we unpack a sloppy night on both sides of the ball and why that might actually be a good thing for a young team learning to win on the road. Bryce Underwood didn’t have his best outing and he’s still developing, but the ground game carried the load behind standout performances from Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall. We also get into the wide receivers—separation, drops, and why this group has to level up fast. Bottom line: hostile environment, tough snaps, real growth. This is the kind of game that builds confidence for the long haul.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with John McKenney, the father of Michigan Basketball freshman Trey McKenney — one of the crown jewels of Dusty May’s first recruiting class in Ann Arbor.We dive into Trey’s journey from Flint to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep, his rise as a five-star prospect, and what went into his decision to choose Michigan over national powerhouses. John gives us an inside look at the recruiting process, the pressure that comes with being one of the top players in the country, and why Trey’s commitment to Michigan is such a big deal — especially given Flint’s history of sending players to Michigan State.We also explore how NIL is reshaping college basketball, what it means for players and families, and how John and Trey are navigating this new landscape.If you’re a Michigan fan — or just a fan of hoops and family stories behind the game — this conversation is a must-listen.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 The Player and The Fan, we break down Michigan’s decisive win over Central Michigan and what it means moving forward. Bryce Underwood finally had the handcuffs taken off, and he showed exactly why he was the No. 1 recruit in the nation. We give props to Chip Lindsey for dialing up one of his best offensive game plans yet and dive into how Michigan’s offense is evolving with confidence. Then, we turn our attention to the next challenge—the Nebraska Cornhuskers—and what the Wolverines need to do to keep the momentum rolling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode, we break down Michigan Football’s 24–13 loss to Oklahoma and take a hard look at the Wolverines’ biggest questions moving forward. We dive into the offensive woes, including whether Michigan is playing it too safe instead of playing to win, and if offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey is being given the freedom to run his style of offense—or simply asked to stick with the old playbook.On the defensive side, we discuss Michigan’s search for true playmakers and why the potential return of safety Rod Moore could be a major boost for the secondary and overall defensive identity.From the Michigan offense’s lack of rhythm to the defense’s need for impact players, we cover the takeaways that matter most for Wolverines fans. If you’re looking for real talk on where Michigan stands after the Oklahoma game and what needs to change heading into the rest of the season, this is the breakdown you don’t want to miss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with my former running backs coach, the legendary Fred Jackson of the University of Michigan. We dive into his remarkable career on the sidelines, the philosophy that shaped generations of Wolverine running backs, and what continues to drive his love for the game. Coach Jackson also gives us an inside look at this year’s group of Michigan backs—what stands out, why he’s excited, and how their potential carries on the tradition of excellence in the backfield.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with my former running backs coach, the legendary Fred Jackson of the University of Michigan. We dive into his remarkable career on the sidelines, the philosophy that shaped generations of Wolverine running backs, and what continues to drive his love for the game. Coach Jackson also gives us an inside look at this year’s group of Michigan backs—what stands out, why he’s excited, and how their potential carries on the tradition of excellence in the backfield.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michigan icon Jon Jansen is in the house! The Wolverines just dropped their new offensive line depth chart, and Big Jon breaks it all down — from the trenches and toughness up front to the explosive growth he’s seeing out of Bryce Underwood, the future of Michigan football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

everything you need to know about the Wolverines heading into the upcoming season. From position battles and depth chart surprises to coaching staff dynamics and expectations in Ann Arbor, Angelique brings insider perspective and sharp analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re curious about the quarterback competition, how Michigan plans to replace key playmakers, or what the Big Ten landscape means for the Wolverines, this episode has you covered.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re breaking down the NCAA’s latest ruling against Michigan—what it means right now, how it could shake things up down the road, and why it’s got Wolverine fans talking. We will walk you through the details, the timing.And that’s not the only drama in Ann Arbor. The quarterback spot? Yeah… it’s raising some real questions for me.From the NCAA’s hammer to the QB question mark, we’ve got plenty to unpack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Plugged In with Chris Howard, we’re taking the gloves off. First, the NCAA finally drops its ruling on Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal — but is their stance on rules enforcement completely inconsistent? Then we get into the latest rankings battle: should Penn State or Texas really be sitting at No. 1?I’ll break down why Bryce Underwood starting as a freshman at Michigan isn’t as simple as “he’s a five-star, let him play.” Plus, we’ve got to address the growing beef between Black sports announcers and African-American podcast hosts — from Ryan Clark vs. RG3 to Ryan Clark vs. Cam Newton — and why it’s doing more harm than good.And finally, the sports gambling boom — from Oklahoma QB John Mateer’s alleged betting scandal to the hypocrisy of leagues partnering with betting companies while punishing players for the same thing. Sports media and gambling ads have made betting unavoidable, but is this really the culture we want?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with former Michigan defensive backs coach Vance Bedford for an inside look at his coaching journey in Ann Arbor. From mentoring future pros to shaping the culture in the secondary room, Coach Bedford shares untold stories from the sidelines and what it really means to wear the winged helmet. We also get his thoughts on Wink Martindale’s second year leading Michigan’s defense—what’s working, what’s evolving, and what fans should expect this season.Whether you're a die-hard Wolverine or just love football insight from a seasoned coach, this one’s for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.