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

Paige Bueckers, Wings show how bright their future is with upset win over Liberty

Paige Bueckers showed once again why the Dallas Wings' future is bright with a 92-82 win over the New York Liberty on Monday evening.

Cowboys aren't out of the woods despite positive Tyler Guyton injury update

The Dallas Cowboys avoided a worst-case scenario with Tyler Guyton's knee injury, but that doesn't mean they emerged unscathed.

Sparks receive significant update on 2024 rookie's return from injury

The Los Angeles Sparks are the WNBA's hottest team, and a recent injury update could mean they won't cool down anytime soon.

Pitching acquisitions unlikely to be enough for slumping Tigers

The Detroit Tigers made their first move ahead of the Thursday, July 31, 6 p.m. ET MLB trade deadline. But instead of creating a splash, the transaction might barely make a ripple.

Tigers' needs even more apparent after loss to Blue Jays

If the Detroit Tigers had to go on a slump, they arguably picked the best time. Because days before the July 31 trade deadline, their needs have never been more apparent.

Brutal setback could be end of the line for former Titans first-round pick

He may have already sealed his fate ahead of a make-or-break 2025 season.

Dynamic safety extension a massive win for Vikings

He provides enormous value at his cost.

Texans have potential backfield concerns after Joe Mixon injury update

Texans running back Joe Mixon's status for the start of the 2025 regular season is in jeopardy following a recent update.

Three-time All-Star will be key to Fever weathering troubling Caitlin Clark injury update

Following a troubling injury update, Caitlin Clark isn't coming back to rescue the Indiana Fever anytime soon. 

Sizzling NFC training-camp position battles 

The NFL preseason schedule will begin July 31 with the regular season to follow on Sept. 4. Ahead of the start of games, Yardbarker NFL writers spotlight the hottest position battles in training camp for each NFC team.

Jets hit turbulence with potentially calamitous injury

The 2025 New York Jets have already hit turbulence.

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani ties franchise record with HR vs. Twins

MLB's midseason break was kind to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani.

Why potential NFLN, RedZone acquisition should motivate MLB to remain on ESPN

The Worldwide Leader in Sports could become even bigger if a reported deal for ESPN to acquire NFL Network and the highly successful NFL RedZone channel is finalized.

Tyrann Mathieu retirement highlights compelling Hall of Fame case

One question remains after Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement. How long until Canton calls?

Commanders GM's comments highlight need for urgency in Terry McLaurin contract negotiations

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters broke his silence regarding McLaurin on Tuesday, and his comments reveal why the organization needs urgency in coming to a contract resolution.

Diamondbacks' latest loss should seal team's trade-deadline fate

The Diamondbacks need to see the writing on the wall.

This incredible fact adds to wild Phillies walk-off win

Walk-off catcher interferences don't happen often. Unless you're Philadelphia Phillies rookie first baseman Otto Kemp.

Miserable fifth inning shows where Yankees are most vulnerable

A brutal fifth inning in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays highlighted the New York Yankees' potential fatal flaw.

Cubs star hits bump in breakout season with knee injury

Chicago Cubs breakout star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong hadn't been slowed this season until Monday.  

Tulane's QB room transformation continues with addition of former BYU starter

The Tulane Green Wave continued their quarterback room transformation on Monday with a splash addition.

WNBA players make huge statement with ASG warm-up shirts

Ahead of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, players made their feelings about negotiations with owners on the league's next collective bargaining agreement crystal clear.

Patriots get positive update with notable injury list absence

The New England Patriots announced their active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of 2025 training camp on Saturday, and one of the biggest surprises was a name that was notably absent.

Oleksandr Usyk's legend grows with historic IBF title win

Oleksandr Usyk's case as one of the greatest boxers of all-time grew on Saturday with a fifth-round knockout over Daniel Dubois to reclaim the IBF title and become an undisputed champion for an unprecedented third time.

Injury list designation raises concerns about Bears' Pro Bowl DB

Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson was among four players placed on the team's active/non-football injury (NFI) list on Saturday.