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: Mets SS Francisco Lindor crushes ball for first home run of 2025 season

It was Lindor's 21st lead-off home run in his 11-year MLB career.

Men's national championship takeaways: Florida caps off historic SEC season

Here are some takeaways from the championship game as we put a bow on the 2024-25 season.

Mets set a franchise record with shutout win over Marlins

The Mets pitched another beauty on Monday. It's becoming a trend 10 games into the 2025 season.

Five under-the-radar prospects to know before 2025 WNBA Draft

The 2024-25 women's college basketball season might have just ended on Sunday, but it's already time to turn our attention to the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Panthers thinking big with unorthodox free-agent signing

The Panthers added a massive tight end prospect on Monday. And he comes from an unlikely source.

Dodgers close to receiving full Shohei Ohtani experience after positive update

On Saturday, 2024 NL MVP Shohei Ohtani inched closer to a return to the mound following a "positive" bullpen session. 

Men's Final Four takeaways: Florida-Auburn is college basketball cinema

The men's college basketball NCAA Tournament national semifinals tipped off with a bang on Saturday, as Florida advanced to its first national title game since 2007 following a 79-73 win over Auburn.

Cubs begin season on right foot as win streak reaches five games

The Chicago Cubs have begun the 2025 season on the right foot. 

Rangers' playoff hopes diminish with loss to Devils

The Rangers missed an excellent opportunity to pull even with the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference wild-card standings after falling to the Metropolitan Division-rival Devils, 4-0, on Saturday.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees announcement adds to banner UConn weekend

UConn added to a banner weekend for the program when two former stars were selected to the Naismith Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

Patriots show faith in QB Drake Maye with Cowboys trade

The Patriots double-dipped on quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Thursday's trade with the Cowboys showed where the organization's allegiance lies.

Watch: Mets 1B Pete Alonso's late home run keys win in extra innings

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso came through with a clutch home run in the top of the eighth inning against the Marlins on Wednesday.

Watch: Jackson Merrill quickly rewards Padres for massive payday

Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill celebrated a massive payday with a two-run home run against the Guardians on Wednesday.

LSU continues transfer portal overhaul with 2024-25 All-CAA addition

LSU continued to remake its backcourt with Wednesday's significant transfer portal addition.

Recent Todd Bowles comments a bad look for fourth-year Buccaneers HC

Bowles is 27-24 in three seasons as the team's head coach.

Five bold men's Final Four predictions: Who's in national title game Monday night?

The 2025 men's NCAA Tournament Final Four is  Saturday in San Antonio. Before Auburn-Florida (6:09 ET) and Duke-Houston tip off (8:49 ET, CBS), here are five predictions for this year's national semifinals.

Scott Van Pelt's frustration with Kevin Willard is misguided

ESPN's Scott Van Pelt recently took issue with former Maryland men's basketball coach Kevin Willard for his actions before leaving for the same role at Villanova. The Terrapins alum might want to thank Willard instead.

NFL's kickoff rule change nullifies main argument against tush push

The league voted to move touchbacks on kickoffs up to the 35-yard line to increase the number of kickoff returns. 

Falcons HC Raheem Morris divulges thoughts on QB Kirk Cousins' OTA plans

The Falcons benched Cousins after 14 games last season.

Sarah Strong's incredible game shows why UConn should win title

UConn women's basketball has produced staggering talent throughout the years, yet no one has had an NCAA tournament game as a freshman like forward Sarah Strong's in Monday's 78-64 Elite Eight win over USC.

SEC cellar-dwellers make play for relevancy with CBB transfer portal addition

After watching most of the rest of the SEC have all the fun this season, LSU wants in on the action.

Notre Dame star makes shocking WNBA Draft decision

On Monday, Notre Dame senior guard Olivia Miles threw a wrench into teams' 2025 WNBA Draft plans.

Watch: Mets' Pete Alonso makes the most of his first 2025 home run

When Mets first baseman Pete Alonso hit his first home run of the 2025 season on Monday, he did so in style. 

Rafael Devers, Red Sox could reach quick breaking point

Rafael Devers and the Red Sox could soon reach a breaking point. If their designated hitter isn't recording hits, they'll have to find someone who will.

Brewers tie unwelcome MLB history in another blowout loss

With all the talk in recent days about Yankees bats, one significant factor in New York's torrid start went unnoticed: Brewers pitching.