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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

February 19, 2025 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin's amended contract increases chances he stays with Bucs

One potentially significant free-agent wide receiver might be off the board weeks before free agency begins.

February 19, 2025 | NFL

Games the NFL should feature in its 2025 International Series

On Wednesday, the NFL finalized the home teams for its 2025 International Series.

February 18, 2025 | College Basketball

Historic loss by No. 23 Kansas a troubling omen for team's March prospects

This blowout loss was only one game, but it could represent so much more.

February 18, 2025 | New Orleans Saints

Kellen Moore's first hirings a positive sign for Saints' future

The organization is currently in a four-year playoff drought and coming off its worst season in two decades.

February 18, 2025 | NFL

Under-the-radar 2025 NFL Scouting Combine attendees you need to know

These five under-the-radar prospects have flashed promise on tape, and they could be some of the biggest stars next week in Indianapolis.

February 18, 2025 | Detroit Lions

Lions OC has big plans for QB Jared Goff in 2025

If the Lions finally get over their Super Bowl hump in 2025, it will be because of quarterback Jared Goff.

February 17, 2025 | College Basketball

Blowout Duke win illustrates how low ACC has fallen

Is Duke this good, or is the ACC that bad?

February 17, 2025 | Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals' offseason plan makes 2025 NFL Draft even more important

The Bengals' offseason plans are coming into focus, and the 2025 NFL Draft will be a significant part of it.

February 17, 2025 | Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark's agent speaks on WNBA’s biggest problem ahead of CBA deadline

Recent comments from Fever guard Caitlin Clark's agent crystallized the most pressing issue for the WNBA as it braces for a potential work stoppage following the 2025 season.

February 15, 2025 | College Basketball

Watch: LSU's Cam Carter goes on incredible run to upset Oklahoma

LSU guard Cam Carter produced the highlight of the Tigers' season with an unreal seven points during a 12-second sequence in a come-from-behind 82-79 road win at Oklahoma.

February 15, 2025 | College Basketball

Watch: UConn collapses twice in stunning loss at Seton Hall

No one ever thought it would be easy for UConn to three-peat as NCAA Tournament champions. But on Saturday, the Huskies revealed how challenging it will be with two late collapses in a 69-68 overtime loss at Seton Hall.

February 15, 2025 | College Basketball

No. 1 Auburn shows why it's top two and not two with win over Alabama

Not only did Auburn earn bragging rights in its win in the first game between SEC teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the Associated Press poll, it also showed why it might be too good for the projected NCAA Tournament field to catch.

February 15, 2025 | College Basketball

Statement Saturday: What notable CBB results say about NCAA Tournament contenders

Here is what some of the year's top men's college basketball contenders told us this weekend.

February 15, 2025 | Dallas Stars

Watch: OT goal keeps Finland alive in 4 Nations Face-Off

Finland responded to its opening-game drubbing against the USA with an overtime win against Sweden in both country's second game in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

February 15, 2025 | College Basketball

March Madness bracket preview sets Auburn, Alabama on NCAA Tournament collision course

With the programs well-positioned to earn two of the four top seeds, Saturday's unprecedented showdown could be a teaser of a much bigger game between the two later this season.

February 13, 2025 | Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky HC Mark Pope ribs ESPN analyst for nonsensical take

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had some fun at ESPN college basketball play-by-play analyst Karl Ravech's expense on Thursday.

February 12, 2025 | Boise State Broncos

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's plea makes star CFB running back even more logical draft choice

Sometimes, the easy choice is also the right one. The 2025 NFL Draft is such an occasion for the Cowboys.

February 12, 2025 | Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State fumbles decision on new defensive coordinator

After climbing to the top of the college football mountain, Ohio State made it exponentially more challenging to do it again in 2025 with a confounding coaching hire.

February 12, 2025 | NFL

Matthew Stafford 2025 destinations: Could Rams really move on from Super Bowl-winning QB?

We made it two days before our first wild rumor of the 2025 NFL offseason.

February 12, 2025 | NBA

Five NBA playoff races to watch in the season's second half

As the NBA enters All-Star Weekend, there isn't much drama at the top of the Eastern and Western Conference standings.

February 11, 2025 | Toledo Rockets

This MAC football program is becoming an unexpected NFL hotbed

As the NFL turns its attention to the pre-draft process, an unlikely college football program might be on the verge of producing a breakout defensive star for the second year in a row.