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

Three teams who could shake up first round of 2025 NFL Draft

It might take a trade to shake up the draft. Here are three teams that could add fireworks to the first round.

Dolphins GM's critical comments could signal 2025 NFL Draft first-round plans

On Tuesday, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier refused to mince words when discussing second-year cornerback Cam Smith.

NFL Draft watch: Ideal trade scenarios for NFC teams

With the NFL Draft approaching April 24-26 in Green Bay, some teams undoubtedly are contemplating trades. Ahead of the NFL's biggest week of the offseason, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the ideal trade scenario for every NFC team.

WR who burned Travis Hunter among NFL Draft prospects who could go earlier than expected

At this point in the NFL Draft cycle, you know the probable top picks, including Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

Travis Hunter puts foot down in position dispute

During the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, one of the biggest questions has been what position NFL teams will have Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter play in the pros.

Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava may have overplayed his hand in NIL dispute

Iamaleava was set to make $2.5 million at Tennessee before reportedly asking for a $1.5 million raise, which the Vols rebuffed, prompting his stunning spring exit.

Rockies make franchise history for all the wrong reasons

The Colorado Rockies made the wrong kind of history on Monday.

MLB Hall of Famer behind epic Rory McIlroy Masters photo

MLB Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. made a lot of outstanding catches throughout his illustrious career. So, it only makes sense that he caught Rory McIlroy's historic Masters win with one of the weekend's greatest photographs. 

Sky reunite Angel Reese with ex-LSU teammate through WNBA Draft

The Sky are hoping the second time's the charm for teammates Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith.

Watch: Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck has career-worst start vs. Rays

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck had an outing to forget on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays. If only it weren't so historic.

Watch: Ugly inning snaps Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker's scoreless streak

Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker crashed back to reality in the second inning of his Monday start against the Giants.

Watch: Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz hits grand slam on bobblehead night

Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz was honored with his own bobblehead on Saturday night, and he marked the occasion in the best way imaginable.

Watch: Kentucky outlasts No. 2 Texas in 15-inning thriller with walk-off bunt

Kentucky outfielder Griffin Cameron was the hero at the plate for the Wildcats in a walk-off extra-innings thriller over No. 2 Texas, and he didn't even need to get the ball out of the infield.

Wolves get major boost in reaching playoffs with NBA's Anthony Edwards ruling

The Timberwolves received a massive break on Saturday as they aim to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament.

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin shows why Buckeyes could be even scarier in 2025

Reigning national champion Ohio State is on top of the college football world. It might be there for a while, based on Saturday's spring game.

Ludvig Aberg starts strong at 2025 Masters in quest for first major victory

Ludvig Aberg is the world's best golfer without a major championship. During his opening round at the 2025 Masters, he took a significant step toward changing that.

Nicolai Hojgaard's wild Masters opening round featured some of everything

Hojgaard, 24, is in his second Masters after finishing tied for 16th (+2) in 2024.

Watch: Scottie Scheffler begins Masters title defense with two early birdies

Augusta National has been kind to Scheffler throughout his pro career.

Dodgers have one major area of concern despite win over Nationals

Money can buy a lot of things, but apparently not reliable starting pitching.

Max Fried's gem vs. Tigers halts Yankees' losing skid

For a team expected to contend for a World Series title, the Yankees need more out of their starting staff. Max Fried has done his part. It's up to everyone else to follow the ace's lead.

Fowl ball: Yankees OF Cody Bellinger 86s chicken wings following food poisoning

Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger recently took on chicken wings, and the chicken wings won.

Report names prospect 49ers 'praying' falls to them in 2025 NFL Draft

The 49ers have been among the biggest losers this offseason, with eight total defenders signing elsewhere.

Shane Smith gives White Sox something to be hopeful about

The White Sox are the worst team in baseball, so they must embrace wins where they can find them. So, we wouldn't fault them for popping champagne after starting pitcher Shane Smith's sublime Tuesday outing against the Guardians.