Todd Howard, portrayed by Jason Bateman, is the cousin of Scott Howard who has just secured a full athletic scholarship at Hamilton University thanks to the recommendation of Coach Bobby Finstock (played by Paul Sand), who also coached Scott during his high school days at Beacontown High. Finstock is optimistic that Todd possesses the family traits necessary to become a werewolf, which would give his struggling boxing team the edge needed to become champions.
However, Dean Dunn, portrayed by John Astin, has raised the stakes for Finstock as he pressures him to build a winning boxing team for the upcoming regional championships. Unbeknownst to Dunn, the only athletic endeavor Todd has previously engaged in is joining the marching band as a clarinet player. Finstock's bold choice to recruit Todd ignites skepticism from Dunn, who is disappointed that Todd has yet to show any skill in sports.
As Todd's Uncle Harold Howard (James Hampton) drops him off at college, Todd grapples with the impending anxiety of his first "Wolf-out," a transformation he regards with embarrassment. Harold quells his fears by suggesting that the werewolf gene might skip generations. Settling into dorm life, Todd shares space with Rupert "Stiles" Stilinski (Stuart Fratkin), who, being Scott's high school best friend, is well-acquainted with Todd's "family issue." Stiles decides to tweak Todd's class enrollment, prioritizing courses filled with girls, and revealing a side of college life Todd has yet to explore. Their roommate, Chubby, currently holds the title of college boxing champion.
In a hilarious turn of events, Todd winds up intimidating a rude admissions lady (Kathleen Freeman) into granting him class changes after he inadvertently starts to exhibit signs of his wolf transformation. Though more passionate about animals and aspiring to become a veterinarian, Todd feels out of place as Finstock insists that he train for boxing. This leads Todd to a frantic realization that the scholarship he received stems from Finstock's desperation, banking on Todd transforming during fights.
Throughout his journey, Todd also makes the acquaintance of Nicki (Estee Chandler), developing a growing friendship that blossoms into a date. The pressures mount during an alumni meet-and-greet when Todd experiences his first full-blown Wolf-out while attempting to dance with the alluring Lisa Goldfluss (Beth Ann Miller), who has been coerced into accompanying him. Faced with the ensuing embarrassment and ridicule, Todd battles the realities of his unique heritage. Stiles encourages him to harness his werewolf abilities while Dean Dunn threatens expulsion if Todd fails to secure a victory in his first match.
Supported by both Brooks and Nicki, Todd endures a rollercoaster of emotions as he continues to explore his identity. Nicki even offers a heartfelt kiss to boost Todd's confidence as he grapples with feelings of shame. Yet, as he utilizes his new talents during a climactic boxing match, defeating his opponent in a remarkable display of agility, Todd earns admiration and acclaim. This newfound fame, however, taints his relationships as he begins to neglect his true friends in favor of popularity.
The divide between Todd and his supporters, including Chubby, who feels rejected, widens as he falls for Lisa—the college's heartthrob. Nicki tries to open Todd's eyes to the superficiality of his new acquaintances, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who truly care about him. The weight of his responsibilities begins to hit home when Professor Brooks warns Todd of the price of power, urging him to find balance and maintain his integrity.
Reconnecting with Uncle Harold, Todd gains clarity about the weight of his abilities, leading him to choose humility. With Nicki's help, Todd realigns his focus towards both his academics and his relationships, demonstrating growth. He decides to face his championship bout against Steve "Gus" Gustavson (Robert Neary) as himself, disregarding the expectations set by Dean Dunn, who threatens to revoke his scholarship.
In a pivotal locker room confrontation, Dean attempts to intimidate Todd, asserting control over his ambitions. Yet, Professor Brooks reveals her own werewolf nature, instilling fear into Dunn. In what becomes a fight for self-identity, Todd, motivated by the love conveyed through Nicki's expression, ultimately triumphs in the ring, reclaiming his sense of self amidst the chaos of admiration and fame.
