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Jeff Mezydlo

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for parts of four decades. He was an integral member of award-winning sports sections at The Times of Northwest Indiana (Munster, Ind.) and Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette, where he covered the NFL, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, football and golf, Olympics and high school athletics. Jeff most recently spent 12 years in the editorial department at STATSPerform, where he also oversaw coverage of the English Premier League. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff's work has also appeared on such sites at Yahoo!, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated and NBA.com. However, if Jeff could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High School and Grand Lakes University

EXPERTISE:

NCAA football, NCAA basketball, PGA/LPGA, international soccer, sports history, rock music, film history

The best defensive players in college football for the 2021 season

Here's a look at 25 of the top defensive players heading into the 2021 college football season. Listed in alphabetical order.

Predicting the 2021 college football award winners

While we might have a good idea of who will stand out among the best of the best in college football this season, it's never easy predicting who will call themselves an award winner by the end of the year.

25 college football under-the-radar names to remember in 2021

We have a pretty good idea who college football's current stars are entering the 2021 season. But there are those who might not necessarily have brand-name recognition just yet but can play at a high level, nonetheless.

The most memorable TV 'rascals' of all time

"Rascals," otherwise known as troublemakers or weasels and annoying beyond fault, have been staples on television for decades. Viewers love to hate them. Most, however, are extremely entertaining. Here are the most notable of these such characters.

Fictional homes that we'd like to live in

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in one of those memorable homes or apartments seen on television or in a film? Whether a spacious mansion or a matchbox apartment, fictional residences play a big part in some of the most beloved TV shows and movies through the decades.

Our favorite Owen Wilson roles

Owen Wilson has become one of the biggest film stars over the last 25 years. Whether taking his shot at a comedy or drama, Wilson usually delivers. Here is our ranking of Wilson's 20 best acting roles.

The definitive Oasis playlist

The brothers Gallagher (Noel and Liam) have made quite the spectacle of themselves over the years. They've also created some memorable music with Oasis that's spanned the globe and resonates to this day. Here are the band's 20 best songs.

The most memorable television character rivalries

There are great television characters. Then, there are great TV character rivalries. Here are 20 of the best TV character rivalries.

The definitive Smashing Pumpkins playlist

Regardless of what one thinks about Billy Corgan, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman and leader is responsible for some of the greatest alternative rock music of all time. In celebration of his Pumpkins, here are the top 20 songs that have helped define the band's musical legacy.

The most memorable made-up movies from 'Seinfeld'

There are many reasons why Seinfeld is considered one of the great sitcoms of all time. That includes intricacies such as fictional films referenced during the series run. Here is our ranking of the top 20 made-up movies in Seinfeld's history.

The 25 best amateur golfers of all time

Some of the greatest golfers of all time enjoyed a majority of their success while sporting amateur status. For some of the greats, there was never a need or inclination to become a professional golfer.

The 25 most memorable moments from the Tokyo Summer Olympics

Played amid the lingering coronavirus pandemic, sweltering heat, and severe storms, at times, the Games went on and would be deemed a success -- for the most part.

10 college football teams on the rise and 10 on the decline in 2021

Here's a look at 10 teams that could see improvement in 2021 and 10 who might falter -- in some cases further -- this season.

2021 college football conference champion predictions

The 2021 college football season is near and even before the first pass is thrown, we should have a good idea of who will stand out above the rest -- or at least win a conference championship.

The definitive Eagles playlist

The band's memorable catalog remains a staple of classic rock. Here are our 25 notable songs from the Hall of Fame band.

25 songs that belong on every The Who playlist

The term classic rock is all-encompassing and is a simple way to describe The Who. Here is our ranking of 25 classic songs by The Who.

The definitive Kiss playlist

For six decades, Kiss has brought its beloved brand of rock and roll to the masses — with or without their signature makeup and costumes. Here is our definitive ranking of the 25 best Kiss songs. 

The 20 greatest prog-rock bands of all time

One can trace the roots of progressive rock back to the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Then, some bands found a place in the genre and enjoyed notable success as part of the movement. Here are 20 of the best bands who did just that.

Olympic rivalries to keep an eye on in Tokyo

Here's a look at some established and potential rivalries that could be renewed or brewing at the Tokyo Summer Games. 

The 50 best USA Summer Olympic moments of all time

The Tokyo Olympics are nearly upon us, and plenty of memories are sure to be made for American athletes. As we celebrate these Games, it's time to look back at 50 of the greatest, or most notable, Summer Olympic moments involving athletes from the United States.

2021 Olympic storylines to follow

While things obviously remain fluid with COVID-19 still an issue, there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on at these Games. Here's a look.

U.S. athletes who can win gold in Tokyo

The United States is likely to again top the medals table during these Summer Games in Tokyo and, also lead the way in gold-medal victories. Here's a look at 20 American athletes who seem to be destined for gold this summer.

25 U.S. Olympians to keep an eye on in Tokyo

The start of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is drawing close and Team USA is obviously expected to enjoy significant success. While there is plenty of talent across the board on the United States' overall roster, here's a look at 25 athletes to pick an eye on from July 23-Aug. 8.

The definitive Foo Fighters Playlist

Here are our picks to fill out the essential Foo Fighters playlist. In order of the way, the songs should be heard.

The best summer camp movies

When summer rolls around, kids around the world head to summer camp — for a good time, t learn, to perform, for athletic purposes, or to get out of their parent's hair for a couple of weeks.