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

Who else? Capitals' Alex Ovechkin breaks scoreless tie in Game 1 vs. Canadiens

Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin added to his historic 2024-25 season with the first goal of Washington's Stanley Cup playoffs run. 

Spencer Strider's IL stint continues Braves' miserable 2025 start

Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider can't catch a break. 

2025 NFL Draft Q&A: TV times, most picks, deepest position, more 

The 2025 NFL Draft is almost upon us. Before the football world gravitates toward Green Bay, here's what you should know heading into the league's premier offseason event.

Watch: Jets rally for comeback Game 1 win vs. Blues

The Jets rallied on Saturday to hand the Blues a crushing Game 1 loss in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Watch: Mitchell Robinson's slam dunk riles Knicks crowd in Game 1

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson began Game 1 of New York's Eastern Conference first-round series against the Pistons on the bench, but he got fans out of their seats with his second-quarter slam dunk.

Watch: Nationals' Dylan Crews has breakout performance vs. Rockies

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews had his breakout MLB game against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Watch: Clippers guard James Harden goes off for 15 points in first quarter against Nuggets

Clippers point guard James Harden hit a buzzer-beater step-back three to cap a monster first quarter in Game 1.

Damian Lillard can't return soon enough after Bucks' rough Game 1

The Bucks couldn't hang with the Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. 

Best Lee Corso moments: Live animals, F-bombs, Statue of Liberty and more

On Thursday, ESPN announced that Lee Corso, who for years has been the face of the network's "College GameDay," will retire following the Week 1 "GameDay" broadcast on Aug. 30, ending a legendary 38-year television career.

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.