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: Incredible save prevents Capitals' Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to record

Senators goalie Linus Ullmark prevented Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record with an incredible save on Monday.

Commanders begin potentially active offseason with trade for 49ers All-Pro WR

The Commanders began what could be an active offseason in D.C. with a massive trade on Saturday.

Texas WR Matthew Golden should be a first-rounder after NFL Combine showing

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden made the most of his time at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Ohio State RBs show off absurd talent with combine performances

On Saturday, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson reminded everyone of Ohio State's embarrassment of riches at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Top RB prospect boosts draft stock with incredible vertical jump at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

After his incredible vertical jump, he might have also leapt up draft boards everywhere.

NFL Scouting Combine Sunday watchlist: 10 interior linemen to know, including Alabama standout

Offensive linemen get the stage to themselves on Sunday. Here's a look at 10 guards/centers worth knowing at the combine in Indianapolis.

NFL Scouting Combine Sunday watchlist: SEC tackle could solidify himself as OT1

Offensive linemen get the stage to themselves on Sunday. Here's a look at 10 tackles worth knowing at the combine in Indianapolis.

NFL Scouting Combine Friday preview: All eyes on Colorado DB/WR Travis Hunter

Before defensive backs and tight ends take center stage on Friday, we look at some of the most notable names expected to participate in drills in Indianapolis.

AFC South NFLPA report card takeaways: Jaguars' lousy 2024 extended off the field

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its third annual report cards for the league's 32 teams.

NFC South NFLPA report card takeaways: Poorest grade may surprise you

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its annual report cards for the league's 32 teams. Here are four surprising takeaways from the NFC South. 

NFLPA report card could make Browns HC Kevin Stefanski's seat even hotter

Following the team's disappointing 2024, Stefanski was likely already on thin ice.

Predicting new homes for star NFL players: Why Titans' Harold Landry III makes sense in NFC West

The 2025 NFL league year doesn't begin until March 12, but trade discussions are already heating up.

Texans offseason checklist: It's time to reach a long-term deal with a 2024 All-Pro 

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Houston Texans should make in the coming months.

Buccaneers offseason checklist: Retaining Pro Bowl WR should be first priority

Here are five moves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should make in the coming months.

Carolina Panthers offseason checklist: Poaching Super Bowl-winning Eagles defender should be top priority

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Carolina Panthers should make in the coming months.

Ultimate NFL Scouting Combine Q&A: Schedule, QB3, Ohio State's best ... and a left-footed kicker?

The NFL Scouting Combine — also known as the "Underwear Olympics" — has begun with medical evaluations for players and more. But on-field workouts will not start until Thursday.

Recent GM comments show Falcons have no leverage in Kirk Cousins saga

If the Falcons are playing hardball, it's not working. And if they think keeping quarterback Kirk Cousins is a sound idea, they might be beyond saving.

No. 15 Michigan-Nebraska was the most horrific CBB game this season

Burn the tape. On Monday, Associated Press No. 15 Michigan (21-6, 13-3 in Big Ten) defeated Nebraska (17-11, 7-10 in Big Ten) in one of the ugliest games in recent Big Ten history.

Angel Reese set for massive sophomore WNBA season after another Unrivaled gem

Rose forward Angel Reese's monster game in Monday's win against the Phantom could be a sign of things to come.

Falcons may have wasted 2025 draft pick following latest report

The Falcons might have thrown away a valuable 2025 draft pick.

Packers' pathetic 'tush push' ban proposal has nothing to stand on

If you can't beat it, ban it. That's the defeatist attitude the Packers took when proposing that the NFL forbid teams from running the "tush push," the short-yardage QB-keeper that the Eagles have turned into the league's most un-guardable plays.

Another blowout loss shows Knicks need changes to be legitimate NBA title contenders

After going all-in to compete for an NBA title this offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, being unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season would be a monumental failure.

Sensational Luka Doncic could mean sky's the limit for Lakers

A season ago, Luka Doncic put a team on his back and led them to the NBA Finals. Who's to say he can't do it again this year?

Insider provides concerning update on Spurs HC Gregg Popovich's future

Legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich might have coached his last game.

No. 23 Kansas looks like itself in blowout win over Oklahoma State

When Kansas plays like it did against Oklahoma State, it can beat any team in the country.