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

Watch: Anthony Davis makes immediate impact in Mavericks debut

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis made an incredible first impression on fans still reeling from last week's stunning Luka Doncic trade.

Watch: Lightning, Red Wings combine for six goals in wild first period

The Lightning and Red Wings were involved in a scoring barrage in the first period of their Saturday matinee.

Ranking the 2025 NFL offensive coordinator hires: Why Cowboys, Seahawks earn high marks

With 11 of the 12 spots filled, here's our ranking of 2025's offensive coordinator hires.

UWGB coach Doug Gottlieb continues making mockery of college basketball

Does Doug Gottlieb know he has a team to coach? On second thought, it might be better if he doesn't.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s comments put more weight on his shoulders

The Falcons need quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to clean up their mess. On Wednesday, Penix, who just finished his rookie season, discussed an under-the-radar significant topic in Atlanta for 2025.

With Super Bowl win, where would Saquon Barkley rank among the greatest RBs?

With a win in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, Barkley would become the first running back in eight years to rush for 1,000 yards and win a Super Bowl in the same season.

Dismal Pro Bowl Games ratings show NFL exhibition has run its course

Can the NFL take a hint? After the dismal ratings for Sunday's Pro Bowl Games were revealed, fans have spoken.

Most impactful WNBA offseason moves: Caitlin Clark poised for big second act with Fever additions

This 2025 WNBA offseason has been arguably the wildest in league history. With things calming down after a flurry of transactions, here are the five most impactful moves.

Watch: Wild Iowa State-Kansas sequence leads to incredible alley-oop

Associated Press No. 16 Kansas found gold at the end of a wild sequence at home against No. 8 Iowa State.

NHL justified in massive suspension handed to Wild's Ryan Hartman

Wild forward Ryan Hartman certainly earned his 10-game suspension, which the NHL handed to him on Monday.

Warriors have 'serious' desire in reuniting with former dynasty star

The Warriors are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a running mate for point guard Stephen Curry. It might lead them to a stone they've already turned.

Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade winners and losers: How deal could backfire for Dallas

The Lakers and Mavericks made NBA history overnight in the first trade involving two reigning All-NBA players. The deal sending forward Anthony Davis to the Mavericks and guard Luka Doncic to the Lakers will have reverberations for months and years to come.

Watch: TCU WR Jack Bech ends Senior Bowl with unbelievable TD

TCU wide receiver Jack Bech produced one of the greatest moments in Senior Bowl history on Saturday.

Auburn's Johni Broome adds to compelling NPOY case in win over Ole Miss

The battle between Auburn forward Johni Broome and Duke forward Cooper Flagg for men's basketball National Player of the Year honors is coming down to the wire.

Watch: Arizona-Arizona State overshadowed by headbutt, multiple ejections

This was a messy way for this rivalry game to end.

St. John's survives epic collapse, stays atop Big East with last-second FG vs. Providence

St. John's nearly blew a 19-point second-half lead, but Kadary Richmond wouldn't allow it.

Troubling precedent leads to concern over NFL's handling of Justin Tucker allegations 

Justin Tucker might have attempted his last field goal with the Ravens. But considering the league's history of pathetic responses to misconduct towards women, it likely won't have anything to do with Thursday's troubling allegations.

Sweet 16: Tennessee's WNBA bid is too perfect for league to pass on

The race to secure a spot in the WNBA's expansion era is in full swing.

Super Bowl LIX preview: What to watch when Chiefs, Eagles are on offense

Before the big game, we preview four keys when the Chiefs and Eagles are on offense.

Five under-the-radar NFL Draft prospects improving their stock at 2025 Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl is in full swing, featuring several big names in the 2025 NFL Draft. The event is also an excellent way for unheralded prospects to make a name for themselves.

Why Kellen Moore is best remaining candidate for Saints HC job

The Saints are running out of options in their 2025 head coaching search, with Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore one of the few remaining under consideration. Here's why he's the best choice for the franchise.

Mike McCarthy 2026 coaching destinations: Examining seven potential options for Super Bowl-winning coach

With McCarthy deciding to take a year off, here are seven potential landing spots in 2026.

How Browns' Myles Garrett update could make defensive ends the hottest commodity of NFL Draft

On Tuesday, 2025 NFL Draft edge-rushing prospects' draft stock improved.

Ranking who has most at stake in Super Bowl LIX

A worldwide audience of more than 100 million people will tune into Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday (6:30 p.m.

Tre Donaldson's 7-0 run spurs Michigan rally against Penn State

Michigan junior guard Tre Donaldson's 7-0 individual run propelled the Wolverines to a come-from-behind Big Ten win against Penn State on Monday.