Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Raiders' comments shift expectations for RB Ashton Jeanty

Jeanty's dual-threat capabilities could mean more snaps.

Mets' Jeff McNeil's reemergence another ominous sign for rest of NL

If Jeff McNeil keeps up his current pace, the Mets should be even more dangerous during the season's second half. That's a scary thought for the rest of baseball.

Former NFL GM's bold Aaron Rodgers prediction should worry Steelers

According to former NFL general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a colossal mistake.

Room for improvement: One unit on each NFC team that needs work

Roster construction is usually top of mind 365 days a year for every NFL front office. But no team is built perfectly.

Davante Adams reveals biggest difference between Rams and previous two NFL homes

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams joined the franchise in March, and he's already noticed a difference from his previous two NFL homes with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets.

Why league should take notice of Dream after rout of Fever

The Dream did what any good team should do on Tuesday and took care of an opponent not at full strength.

Ranking the 10 most dominant current athletes: Where does Scottie Scheffler rank ahead of 2025 U.S. Open?

Scheffler's recent run of excellence left us wondering where he currently ranks among the most dominant current athletes. Check out our top 10 below.

Stanley Cup Final Game 3 takeaways: Panthers two wins away from back-to-back titles

The Florida Panthers took control of the Stanley Cup Final with Monday's dominant 6-1 Game 3 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Roman Anthony's debut a microcosm of Red Sox's season

Outfielder Roman Anthony, much like the 2025 Boston Red Sox, didn't live up to the hype.

Healthy Patriots defender could make major difference in 2025

The New England Patriots have made some major additions this offseason, but a returning player could be among the most important to a potential 2025 turnaround.

Kentucky associate HC's departure for in-state rival a concerning omen for Mark Stoops

The 2025 college football season doesn't start for another two months, but Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops has already suffered a major loss.

Angel Reese, Sky squander opportunity against Caitlin Clark-less Fever

The Chicago Sky caught the Indiana Fever without guard Caitlin Clark and head coach Stephanie White on Saturday. Yet instead of closing the gap between their purported rival, the Sky showed once again they aren't in the Fever's orbit.

Thunder HC addresses struggling stars ahead of Finals Game 2

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault hasn't lost confidence in struggling stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams ahead of Sunday's NBA Finals Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers.

10 potential first-time MLB All-Stars: Cubs star helps case with Saturday home run

MLB's 2025 All-Star Game is set for Tuesday, July 15. As voting continues for the Midsummer Classic, here's a look at 10 players who should be first-time All-Stars this year. 

Coco Gauff is just getting started after second major title

Gauff has already accomplished plenty, yet chances are she's just getting started.

Five Super Regional MLB Draft prospects who could be next Jac Caglianone

Here are five batters to watch in this weekend's Super Regionals before the College World Series begins on June 13 and the 2025 MLB Draft takes place a month later from July 13-15.

Daniel Jones has stronger chance of winning Colts QB battle following Anthony Richardson update

Earlier this offseason, the Colts added Jones as competition for Richardson in a battle for the QB1 role.

Dominant third set puts Aryna Sabalenka closer to tennis royalty following French Open semis

Aryna Sabalenka left no doubt who rules women's tennis with a dominant third set against three-time defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek during the first of two Thursday semifinals.

Ravens get great value with 2021 first-round wide receiver extension

The Baltimore Ravens are keeping their flock intact.

Watch: Novak Djokovic wins 41-shot rally, advances to French Open semis

Novak Djokovic won a stunning 41-shot rally against Alexander Zverev in the fourth set at the 2025 French Open quarterfinals, then defeated the world's No. 3 player to advance to his 13th semifinal at Roland Garros.

Watch: Red Sox walk off Angels with only-at-Fenway home run

The Boston Red Sox avoided a sweep against the Los Angeles Angels with a walk-off home run that could only have come at Fenway Park. 

NBA All-Star Game doesn't solve league's in-season exhibition problems, it just creates more

The NBA is once again tinkering with its All-Star Game format, yet it might only create more problems for an event that's no longer of use.

Ranking the head coach-GM combos within each NFC division

In the NFL, it's important for the key decision-makers to be on the same page. That's especially true for a team's head coach and general manager. The GM typically picks the players, who must suit the philosophy and vision of the team's head coach.