Angeli was Riley Leonard's backup in 2024 and was competing for the starting job in 2025.
Watch: Lee Corso’s best ‘College GameDay’ moments
The longtime ESPN college football analyst will retire after Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Longtime ESPN ‘College GameDay’ analyst Lee Corso to retire after Week 1
Corso, 89, will do one more show before ending his career.
Bill Belichick and North Carolina land 4-star signee Adrian Wilson from Colorado
Wilson was one of the top recruits in Deion Sanders' 2025 high school class.
What gives with the No. 7 Warriors being favored over the No. 2 Rockets?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
As the NBA playoffs approach, one of the more surprising storylines has been the betting odds favoring the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors over the second-seeded Houston Rockets.
On the most recent episode of "The Kevin O’Connor Show," guest Esfandiar Baraheni and host Kevin O'Connor examined the playoff matchup and why oddsmakers are favoring Golden State — and whether the Warriors deserve that status.
Ezra Shaw via Getty Images
Oddmakers believe in the Warriors, but should they?
While playoff intensity and game-planning do tend to favor experienced teams, and that might explain why Golden State is a -190 favorite to win the series at BetMGM, Barahini suggests that Houston’s defensive versatility and depth might give it more than a puncher’s chance — especially when it comes to slowing Steph Curry.
“I'm a little surprised that Golden State's so heavily favored as a 7 over 2," Baraheni says. "I feel like Houston has played Golden State very well this season.”
But a number of reasons for the Warriors’ favored status are laid out: their reputation for playoff poise, the clutch brilliance of Curry and, now, Jimmy Butler, and their much-improved defense since acquiring Butler midseason.
“You have a guy [Curry] who you can rely on every single time," O'Connor says. "I think this will be one of those series where every game is going to go down to the wire. Every game is going to be very close.”
There’s a certain comfort in betting on established champions, especially in late-game situations.
The Rockets’ case: Defense, depth and matchups
The discussion didn't shy from the reasons to be bullish on the Rockets, either. Houston finished the year as one of the NBA’s best defenses, with plenty of size in Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams and disruptive perimeter players in Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. In fact, Baraheni specifically mentions Thompson as someone who has "shut the water off" on Steph in previous matchups and Houston’s team defense as capable of supporting its big men on the perimeter — unlike some of Golden State’s previous opponents.
O’Connor also highlights Houston's rebounding advantage.
“If you look at the way those Şengün/Adams [lineups] perform, the reason that thing works offensively is because they generate so many offensive rebounds," O’Connor says. "They crash the glass.”
With Golden State’s relative lack of size on the interior, this presents a crucial potential swing factor.
Is experience everything?
What tips the scale for those picking the Warriors? According to O’Connor and Baraheni, it’s the question of late-game offense and experience.
Golden State has thrived in the clutch this season, while Houston, for all its defensive prowess, has struggled to create clean looks and score consistently in fourth quarters.
“I just trust Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler more than I do Jalen Green or Şengün or Fred VanVleet,” O’Connor says.
Prediction: It's closer than the odds suggest
While O’Connor picks the Warriors in seven and Baraheni slightly favors Houston in six, it's going to be a closer matchup than many believe. “I think people are discrediting the Rockets a little bit too much,” O’Connor says.
Both agree that Houston might be underrated, not just for its defense and rebounding but also for its potential to disrupt Golden State’s offensive flow with its physical style.
To hear the full discussion, tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava reportedly set to transfer to UCLA
Iamaleava officially entered the transfer portal Wednesday after parting ways with the Vols over the weekend.
Duke’s Kon Knueppel declares for 2025 NBA Draft
Knueppel averaged 14.4 points per game in his only season with the Blue Devils.
Are you a believer? Assessing the surprising hot starts of the 2025 MLB season
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman engaged in a fun discussion about breakout performances so far this season by creating a unique belief scale to rate their faith in players.
The concept was inspired by Kyren Paris and his impressive early-season performance, with both hosts pondering whether they believe Paris and others can maintain their current pace.
Here are the five levels of belief:
Atheist: Total disbelief, firm conviction that the player's early success is fleeting and won't hold up in the long run
Skeptic: Doubtful but open, acknowledging that the player might continue their performance but unconvinced until more proof is presented
Agnostic: Neutral territory, neither believing nor disbelieving in the player's potential to sustain their performance
Believer: Optimistic belief, confident that the player's performance is meaningful and will continue
Evangelist: True conviction, so certain about a player's success that they're willing to proclaim it loudly and widely
Now let's run through some of the players highlighted and how much Mintz and Shusterman believe in them.
Kyren Paris, Angels 2B/OF
Shusterman: Skeptic
"For how bad he was last year and for what his struggles, for what his limitations were as a hitter before, I need to see so much more to believe that he is an above-average hitter now."
Mintz: Skeptic
"I might be a little closer to agnostic just because the physical changes are so drastic, but I'm not someone who ever prefers to opt out of a conversation ... so I will say skeptic."
Spencer Torkelson, Tigers 1B
Shusterman: Believer
At this point, I think he's probably a little too flawed to become a top-five first baseman in baseball. But I'm a believer that he can be a very important, good part of this Tigers lineup."
Mintz: Believer
"I think next spring we enter the season being like, that dude's the first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. He's a good player. He hits fifth, and everyone's happy."
Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics C/1B
Mintz: Skeptic
"I remain a skeptic because I need to see him fail and rebound again. I need to see him get cold. I need to see pitchers adjust to his new approach, as they will, as they always do. And I need to see him readjust before I become a believer."
Shusterman: Believer
"Here's a very simple way to put it: I think he will absolutely be a top-three hitter on this team by the end of the season, maybe even top."
Pete Alonso, Mets 1B
Shusterman: Evangelist
"Everybody was overthinking Pete to a ridiculous degree. ... We know what Pete is going to be at the floor. And if he is now reminding us of the ceiling, which we have seen at other points in his career, that should make a lot of teams, who should have paid this extremely low price for a very good first baseman, feel extremely foolish."
Mintz: Believer
"I'm just a believer, and partially that's because I want to give you space to evangelize."
Hunter Greene, Reds SP
Mintz: Evangelist
"All in, all in. Scream it from the mountaintops. Tell your friends, and tell their friends, even if they don't want to hear it. Hunter Green looks so freaking good."
Shusterman: Believer
"What he's looking like right now, it's like, yeah, of course. This is like what he's supposed to be. He's been working toward this, and he looks awesome."
Ben Rice, Yankees 1B
Mintz: Believer
"I now think that Ben Rice is a big-league DH, for sure. His bat is going to play in the big leagues. Is he a star? I don't know. I don't know if I'm ready to call him a star."
Shusterman: Agnostic
"I do not want to say that this guy is a fraud. But it's so over the top right now that I also do not want to catch myself falling for it almost again."
Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves SP
Mintz: Evangelist
"I'm, like, beyond evangelizing like for him. I'm a zealot for him. I'm willing to shed blood. I'm willing to put my life on the line. ... He's going to get Cy Young votes."
Shusterman: Believer
"He is just the perfect story of everything you would bet on for that late-blooming superstar."
To listen to the full episode and hear more from the hot start belief scale, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
2025 NFL Draft: Who will be the most shocking 1st-round pick and other bold predictions
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
In a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and The Ringers’ Danny Heifetz discussed some potential surprises awaiting all of us during next week's NFL Draft. Amidst an array of bold predictions, here are some of the highlights.
Who will be the most shocking first-round pick?
As they explored possibilities, Heifetz put forward the idea of the New Orleans Saints taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart ninth overall pick. Heifetz emphasized how this move would be a shocker, but one that aligns with the Saints' need for a long-term QB solution given Derek Carr's shoulder injury and uncertain standing with the team.
Another weapon for Sean McVay and Co.
Further adding to the surprise element, Harmon entertained the notion of the Los Angeles Rams trading into the top 10 to select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Rams have previously shown an interest in adding offensive weapons, and Warren could fill a critical tight end role, easing the burden off their wide receivers.
Steelers add QB of the future
Heifetz also shed light on the possibility of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe going in the first round, specifically mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Aaron Rodgers were to retire, the desperate need for a young quarterback could push the Steelers toward the surprise move.
Broncos add another key piece on offense
Lastly, Harmon and Heifetz discussed the Denver Broncos' potential move for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Under the helm of head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos might pursue Jeanty aggressively — likely needing to trade up from the 20th overall pick — adding another dimension to their offense.
2025 NFL Draft: Running back prospect giving Tyrone Tracy Jr. vibes could be a steal (in fantasy and reality)
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
In a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and ESPN's Jordan Reid discussed the potential of SMU running back Brashard Smith and how he could end being the "ultimate weapon," tossing out a comparison that is sure to have fantasy football players excited.
Is Smith this year's Tyrone Tracy Jr.?
Both Smith and Tracy share a unique journey and skill set. Just like Tracy, Smith made a significant position shift that showcased his versatility. Initially a wide receiver at Miami, Smith transitioned to running back in his first year at SMU. This change was reminiscent of Tracy’s own journey from receiver to running back, a move that paid dividends in their collegiate careers — and for those who rostered Tracy during his rookie NFL season.
What makes Smith stand out is his ability to adapt and excel in his new position. According to Reid, Smith looked "completely natural" as a running back. His proficiency in the backfield was complemented by his experience and skill as a receiver, which allows him to be employed in dynamic offensive schemes. This blend of attributes aligns almost perfectly with the playing style that made Tracy such a compelling prospect. From Week 5 through the end of the season, Tracy had seven double-digit fantasy scoring performances, including a high of 22 points in Week 8.
Smith's athletic prowess was further underscored by his standout performance at the combine, where he clocked in remarkable speed, running the 40 in 4.39 seconds. This elite speed, coupled with his versatility, makes him a potent asset. Just as Tracy was an under-the-radar pick, selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Smith also carries the potential to be a Day 3 steal.
In a draft class noted for its depth at the running back position, Smith might not get the same hype but his dual-threat capability is sure to be attractive to teams looking to add a multifaceted backfield presence. With the right fit, Smith could very well follow in Tracy’s footsteps, proving that late-round prospects can be difference-makers in fantasy and reality.
2025 NFL Draft takes: Mild, medium and spicy opinions include Shedeur Sanders potentially having a long draft night wait
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Here's a summary of the mild, medium and spicy NFL Draft takes from Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Matt Harmon on an episode of the "Football 301" podcast.
Mild takes 🌶️
Expect 3 RBs to go in Round 1:Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are the likely candidates, and Harmon suggests that TreVeyon Henderson might sneak into the top 32 due to his desirable traits.
Falcons will focus on one side of the ball: Tice said the Falcons might not select an offensive player in the draft at all, focusing entirely on defense. This was based on the fact that the team sent only defensive coaches to the NFL scouting combine and interviewed only defensive players.
No. 1 tight end will be ... : Tice sees Michigan's Colston Loveland as the first tight end drafted, potentially even higher than expected.
Medium takes 🌶️🌶️
Shedeur Sanders won't be QB2 on Draft Night: Tice says that Sanders would not be the second quarterback selected, suggesting that the NFL might be lower on him than previously anticipated.
"I think there's some buzz about other quarterbacks and just smelling the smoke, you know, seeing where the smoke's going," Tice said. "I want to follow that smoke.
"And also seeing when, you know, Deion Sanders, who was on the show last week with [Yahoo Sports'] Charles [McDonald], had an interview with Charles, also says, you know, we're comfortable with him maybe not going at the top of the draft. Again, just reading in between the lines here that I think maybe there is a drop with Shedeur and that there's another quarterback that goes above him because I just think there's just precedent there."
Andrew Wevers via Getty Images
Who is the No. 1 CB? Harmon predicts that a non-Travis Hunter defensive back will go before Michigan's Will Johnson, suggesting that there might be draft shakeups due to pre-draft evaluations like 40-yard dash times. Teams might hold it against the Michigan star that he didn't run the 40 in workouts.
Browns deal for a QB: Matt speculated that the Browns might trade back into the first round for a quarterback, potentially looking at Shedeur Sanders.
Spicy takes 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🔥
Tyreek Hill trade: Harmon's spicy take is that the Miami Dolphins star wideout might be dealt during the draft. He detailed his reasoning that Miami might need to retool its locker room and develop a counterpunch on offense.
Long wait for QB2: Tice predicted only one QB would be taken in the first round, Cam Ward, and that the QB2 won't be selected until the second round.
Big trade move early in Round 1: Harmon suggested that some team might trade into the top 10 for an offensive playmaker, citing Ashton Jeanty as a potential target for such a bold move.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
MLS votes no on post-world cup calendar change + Andre Onana benched! Right move by Amorim?
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the news that MLS voted down the possibility of moving to the European calendar after the 2026 World Cup. Is this a missed opportunity for the league to expand their fanbase by immediately following the World Cup? Christian and Alexis then give us their thoughts on Ruben Amorim benching Andre Onana over the weekend. Later, Christian and Alexis break down the newest Italian gambling probe that includes the UMSNT’s own Weston McKennie.
What to make of the jam-packed American League East?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
The AL East is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable divisions in baseball this year. On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examined the current state of play within this fascinating division.
Let's dive in.
The enigma of the Yankees
The Yankees have been a surprise so far, with their offense arguably outperforming expectations. As Mintz noted, they've posted an impressive team WRC+ of 140. Yet the overall picture is not quite clear.
Mintz highlighted the Yankees' surprising struggles with their rotation, stating, "They have the worst ERA of any rotation in baseball. They only have one quality start all year."
Combine the bountiful pitching concerns with the Yankees' recent road trip primarily featuring chilly weather games, and it feels like this team is still trying to find its stride. Many fans are eagerly awaiting performances that match both the hype and the historical legacy that comes with wearing the pinstripes.
Red Sox's optimism and confusion
The hosts started the season with high hopes for the Red Sox, with both predicting them as strong contenders to win the division. But as of now, their record 8-9 does not yet reflect the talent that the team displays in bursts. As a result, it's difficult to determine whether this is the start of a promising run or just fleeting moments of excellence.
As Mintz said, "Red Sox fans want right now to be irrationally positive, and they have so many reasons to just jump all in. ... The only thing holding them back is that they have more losses than wins right now."
One huge positive for the Red Sox so far has been Garrett Crochet, who is looking like a formidable talent in the rotation. The challenge for the Red Sox will be to translate the bright spots into consistent winning across the season.
Signs of hope for the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays currently sit atop the division, but even with the power and talent they've displayed so far, there is room for doubt. Still, Mintz noted that watching the bottom of Toronto's order get on base, featuring players such as Ernie Clement and Myles Straw, creates an irrational belief in the 9-7 Blue Jays' potential to win the division.
Another positive for Toronto is a strong start from the bullpen, led by offseason acquisition Jeff Hoffman. Shusterman discussed Hoffman's important role, saying, "I think Jeff Hoffman is the best reliever in the world right now."
Can the Blue Jays' hot stretch last long enough for them to hold off the comparative might of their divisional rivals?
Orioles' roller-coaster start
Baltimore Orioles fans are no strangers to turbulent times, and this season's start might feel all too familiar. Although the Orioles have yet to secure a series win, they remain just a couple of games back from the division leader.
As Shusterman said, "They're in last place, but they're two-and-a-half games back of first. So they are just fine."
The hosts discussed Baltimore's burgeoning potential and how a variety of factors could still turn the Orioles' season into one with real hope and promise.
The 2025 MLB season is still in its early stages, and the hosts readily admit that they're still sorting out what to make of the AL East.
As Mintz put it, "Every team, you look at them, you watch them for three innings, and you're like, 'They are going to win the division.' And then you watch them play another three innings, and you're like, 'They are going to get relegated,' and you just don't know where to end up."
To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Houston guard Milos Uzan reportedly declaring for NBA Draft with 1 year of eligibility remaining
Uzan had a breakout game for the Cougars in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, scoring 22 points and the game-winner versus Purdue.
2025 NFL Draft: Are Titans a bad fit for Cam Ward?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Warning signs for Cam Ward in Tennessee
Schwab is optimistic about Ward's future, predicting he will be really good, potentially a first-tier quarterback. In contrast, Fitz believes the Titans might ruin Ward due to organizational instability, predicting that he will face a difficult career with the Titans.
Fitz argues that the Titans are a bad fit for Ward because he believes the organization does not provide a stable environment for developing quarterbacks. Fitz shares concerns about the Titans' franchise management, noting that the revolving door of coaches and general managers creates instability. He also points out that head coach Brian Callahan took over a team with low expectations last year and the Titans ended up being the worst team in football, not due to injuries but due to poor talent, coaching and game management.
Fitz is worried that without consistent leadership and a strong supporting cast, Ward will struggle to succeed or develop into his potential. He fears that within a few years, Ward will be stuck dealing with multiple offensive languages and systems, which could hinder his growth as a quarterback.
Essentially, Fitz foresees that Ward may be set up to fail due to the Titans' organizational issues.
How many QBs will go in Round 1 of NFL Draft?
Fitz predicts that four quarterbacks will be taken in the first round, including a surprise pick of Jalen Milroe. In contrast, Schwab predicts only two QBs will be drafted in the first round, and that Shedeur Sanders might slip to Round 2.
Who will be first WR after Travis Hunter?
While Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is often considered the next receiver off the board, Schwab believes Texas' Matthew Golden will be picked before him due to his speed and game-breaking ability.
Where will RB Ashton Jeanty land?
Schwab suggests a surprising pick of Jeanty by the Dallas Cowboys, and the excitement it could bring, despite the Raiders and Bears being favorites.
Desperation will force Steelers to reach at QB
Fitz boldly predicts that the Steelers will find themselves needing to draft a quarterback due to uncertainties with Aaron Rodgers, potentially leading them to reach in the draft.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.