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

Atlanta Falcons 2025 NFL schedule analysis

The Atlanta Falcons, along with the rest of the NFL, have known for months who they'll play during the 2025 regular season, and on Wednesday, they found out when.  

Watch: Capitals goalie Logan Thompson makes save of the Stanley Cup playoffs

Logan Thompson delivered during the first period of Game 5.

Unheralded golfers in prime position to make names for themselves following PGA Championship first round

None of the players at or near the top of the leaderboard are household names.

Watch: Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo 'ejects' umpires during incredible meltdown

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo got the most out of his ejection Wednesday.

Highlighting AFC South blockbuster games of 2025 season

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2025 season on Wednesday. Here is the blockbuster game (and another intriguing matchup) for every team in the AFC South.

Highlighting NFC South blockbuster games of 2025 season

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2025 season on Wednesday. Here is the blockbuster game (and another intriguing matchup) for every team in the NFC South.

Three burning questions for 2025 Buccaneers

Here are three questions facing the defending NFC South champs as they look to evolve from the kings of a weak division into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Five storylines to watch during WNBA opening weekend

The 2025 WNBA regular season tips off this weekend. Here are five storylines we're watching during the opening slate of games.

Why Vikings could benefit from historic 2025 international slate

The NFL might have done the Minnesota Vikings a huge favor with their unprecedented 2025 regular season schedule.

Packers set to face defending champion Eagles, dreaded tush push on 'MNF'

After spending the offseason trying to ban the tush push, the Green Bay Packers now know when they must defend against it.

Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes, Oilers move closer to punching conference finals tickets

The second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs continued on Monday with a pair of Game 4s. Here are takeaways from the two games as the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers each moved one win away from advancing to their respective conference finals.

Watch: Oilers start quick in Game 4 vs. Golden Knights

The Edmonton Oilers quickly washed out the taste of Game 3's stunning loss to the Vegas Golden Knights by taking an early 1-0 lead on Monday.

Tigers still look like AL's best team in win over Red Sox

It's only May, but the Detroit Tigers are already making a statement.

Watch: Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov breaks scoreless tie in Game 3 vs. Capitals

The Carolina Hurricanes struck first in a pivotal Game 3 of the East semifinals against the Washington Capitals.

Celtics rediscover their groove in Game 3 win over Knicks

On Saturday, the defending NBA champions got back into their second-round series against the New York Knicks with a 115-93 win.

Watch: Eagles WR A.J. Brown gives commencement address at Ole Miss

The three-time Pro Bowl wideout played at Ole Miss from 2016-18.

Watch: Draymond Green moves closer to suspension with another playoff tech

The Warriors are already without Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green got closer to joining him on the bench.

Ducks' hiring of Joel Quenneville as HC is a black eye for organization

Anaheim must wear the Joel Quenneville hiring as a scarlet letter. Every win will serve as a reminder of the seedy deal it made to try to be relevant.

NFL schedule release FAQ: Date, how to watch, potential foes for Eagles in opener

Get your planners ready. The 2025 NFL schedule will be released soon, giving fans a chance to plot their fall itineraries. Ahead of the big day, here are questions (and answers) to get you prepared.

Three burning questions for 2025 Saints

It's a time of fresh beginnings for the Saints.

Three burning questions for 2025 Panthers

The Panthers have more reasons for optimism than most teams coming off seven consecutive losing seasons.

George Pickens trade winners, losers: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott gets a new weapon

Just as the NFL world quieted down, the Cowboys shook things back up.