Yardbarker

Jalyn Smoot

Contributor

Jalyn Smoot is a University of North Texas graduate passionate about writing, sports, and film. Throughout his near decade-long career as a freelance reporter, he has been featured on Bleacher Report, Major League Baseball, Apple News, Fox Sports, and NewsBreak.

Eagles' Saquon Barkley running toward goal of becoming best RB ever

Despite quickly amassing a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, the Eagles star still has goals he wishes to achieve.

Texans could boast AFC's best RB tandem if Nick Chubb returns to form

Nick Chubb has an opportunity to form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL alongside two-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon in 2025.

Pacers need Tyrese Haliburton to emphasize scoring more — and earlier

For the Pacers to survive the Thunder, they need All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to elevate his scoring.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to join Hall of Fame company in the NBA Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already secured the NBA's most prized individual award this season. Now, the reigning scoring champ has the Thunder on the verge of the franchise's first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City and can join some elite company if he can finish the job.

Four steps Bulls must take this offseason to escape NBA purgatory

The Bulls find themselves in the worst possible spot in the NBA: not good enough to be a true contender but too good to land a prime draft slot. Here are four moves the team should make to break the cycle. 

Thunder become youngest team to reach NBA Finals since 1977 Trail Blazers

During the regular season, the Thunder notched a league-leading 68 wins and finished as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

'Overrated' Tyrese Haliburton staking claim as top floor general in the NBA

Tyrese Haliburton had the game of a lifetime on Tuesday night in the Indiana Pacers' 130-121 statement win in Game 4 over the New York Knicks.

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton matches rare playoff feat with epic first quarter

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton came out of the gates firing in Game 4, pouring in 15 points in a near-flawless first quarter.

Five pitchers who could win their first Cy Young Award

With nearly a third of the regular season over, enough time has passed to assess the 2025 Cy Young Award races in both leagues. 

WWE star Trick Williams notches historic championship win in rare TNA crossover

The historic bout, the main-event match of NXT Battleground in Tampa, was the first time the TNA World Championship was defended during a televised WWE event.

Saquon Barkley makes a bold assertion about 2024 Eagles

Fresh off a season in which they were close to setting an NFL team rushing record, boasted the No. 1 defense and dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX, there's no denying that the Philadelphia Eagles were an elite team last season.

Phillies' Jesus Luzardo joins historic company with rare MLB feat

Since arriving in Philadelphia, Jesús Luzardo has been everything the Phillies envisioned when they acquired him in a rare in-division trade with the Miami Marlins. 

One unsung hero from every remaining NBA playoff team

So far this postseason, the stars have shined bright in pursuit of an NBA championship. But the four team's remaining haven't been carried to the cusp of the Finals by their stars alone.

Eagles forced to navigate historically challenging schedule in SB repeat bid

The Philadelphia Eagles officially have a roadmap to their Super Bowl title defense. It won't be easy.

Nearly a decade into his career, Jaylen Brown is finally the alpha for Celtics

When the Boston Celtics selected Jaylen Brown third overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, they were confident that he'd blossom into a franchise cornerstone.  A former Cal standout, Brown had all the athleticism, intangibles and skill needed to become a superstar.

Who is on the WWE Mount Rushmore after John Cena's 17th World Title?

WWE superstar John Cena made history at WrestleMania 41, earning his record-breaking 17th World Title by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Don't let Aaron Judge distract you from former MVP teammate's resurgent season

37-year-old Paul Goldschmidt has turned back the clock in his debut season with the Yanks.

Knicks stun Celtics with comeback victory in Game 2

The New York Knicks once again trailed by 20 points in the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Once again, they inspired a comeback to sink the defending champions in their own building.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton continues to shed 'overrated' label with clutch performances

Haliburton is making his peers, who voted him the most overrated player in the league, look foolish.

'He's a dawg': Why Rockets should build around Amen Thompson, not Jalen Green 

During Houston's conference quarterfinals loss to Golden State in seven games, Amen Thompson's immense potential was on full display. 

Knicks star Jalen Brunson joins Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant with rare playoff feat

Following his masterful performance against the Celtics, Brunson joined Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry in this special category.

Jalen Brunson's late-game efficiency could help Knicks capture elusive NBA championship

Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been the NBA's best clutch scorer all season and flashed his late-game brilliance once more with a game-winning three-pointer to send New York to the conference semifinals.

Obsession with SEC talent is paying dividends for Eagles

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has developed a penchant for targeting SEC players in the NFL Draft, especially in recent years, and it has been integral in forming Philadelphia's championship core.

Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards solidifies status as 'legend killer' 

Over the past few seasons, the 6-foot-4 Minnesota guard has ousted several future Hall of Famers in the NBA playoffs, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and four-time scoring champ Kevin Durant, Edwards' childhood idol.

Five NFL Draft prospects that make Eagles repeat Super Bowl favorites

Let's take a look at five projected first-round prospects that would make the Eagles instant favorites to repeat as Super Bowl champions.