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

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.

Scottie Scheffler's putting leads to historic Open Championship score

Arguably, Scottie Scheffler's biggest weakness has become his biggest strength at the 153rd Open Championship.

Saints QB competition impacted by rookie contract development

Saints rookie Tyler Shough took an essential step toward becoming the team's starting QB this season.

NFLPA leadership isn't out of the woods yet after stunning Lloyd Howell resignation

Lloyd Howell threw NFL Players Association leadership a bone late Thursday night when he stunningly retired following numerous scandals, concluding the shortest tenure as lead NFLPA executive in the union's history.

Cowboys' lack of urgency with Micah Parsons backfires amid record T.J. Watt extension

With their complete lack of urgency in extending All-Pro edge-rusher Micah Parsons, the Cowboys may have cost themselves millions.

2024 NFL breakout players who could be even better in 2025

What can 2024 NFL breakout talents do for an encore? Last year, several players emerged after quiet starts to their professional careers, and below are five who could be even better in 2025.

NFC: Top non-QB storylines entering training camp

Yardbarker's NFL writers came together this week to identify the top non-QB storylines each team is facing heading into camp. 

Clippers, Suns accomplish offseason goals with Bradley Beal buyout, signing

Bradley Beal helped two NBA franchises on Wednesday.

Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark injuries threaten to dim WNBA All-Star weekend

The WNBA's upcoming All-Star weekend could be without two of the game's brightest young stars.

SEC power lives up to reputation in 2025 NFL WR rankings

There must be something in the water down in the bayou.

Five NFL teams that should be most concerned about second-round pick holdouts

As rookies begin reporting to NFL training camps, most of the league's 2025 second-round picks remain unsigned.

Commanders star wideout provides alarming contract negotiation update

Things were going too smoothly for the Washington Commanders.

Kirby Smart shares thoughts on potential Nick Saban coaching return

With rumors swirling about Nick Saban potentially coming out of retirement following the 2025 season, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart revealed during SEC media days on Tuesday why the seven-time national champion coach's decision might not be up to him.

Angel Reese extends impressive streak in loss to Lynx

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese recorded her ninth consecutive double-double on Monday in a 91-78 loss to the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx. 

Rays sale gives franchise another shot to work in Tampa

MLB is set to remain in Tampa following a reported sale of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Clock is ticking on the Jets following Garrett Wilson's extension

Last season, the former Ohio State Buckeyes wideout had career-best season, finishing with multiple personal highs, including 101 receptions, 1,104 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Shohei Ohtani hits new benchmark in pitching return as Dodgers snap season-long loss skid

When the Los Angeles Dodgers needed him most, Shohei Ohtani delivered. 

Cooper Flagg shows why he was No. 1 overall pick in second Summer League game

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg responded to an underwhelming Summer League debut by showing his all-around game in a 76-69 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Yankees' Max Fried exits start early as July slump continues

Max Fried's July went from bad to worse when a blister on his left index finger forced him to exit his Saturday afternoon start after three innings.

Angel Reese's historic season continues in upset win over Lynx

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese remained in the clouds on Saturday afternoon with another dominant performance in an 87-81 upset win over the Minnesota Lynx.

Iga Swiatek moves closer to career grand slam after historic Wimbledon finals match

Poland's Iga Swiatek was crowned ladies' singles Wimbledon champion following a dominant win over American Amanda Anisimova in a brisk 57 minutes.

Wimbledon ladies' singles final a chance for redemption for Iga Swiatek

Previously, the five-time major champion was a two-time pre-Wimbledon favorite but failed to live up to those lofty expectations each time.