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

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin shows why Buckeyes could be even scarier in 2025

Reigning national champion Ohio State is on top of the college football world. It might be there for a while, based on Saturday's spring game.

Ludvig Aberg starts strong at 2025 Masters in quest for first major victory

Ludvig Aberg is the world's best golfer without a major championship. During his opening round at the 2025 Masters, he took a significant step toward changing that.

Nicolai Hojgaard's wild Masters opening round featured some of everything

Hojgaard, 24, is in his second Masters after finishing tied for 16th (+2) in 2024.

Watch: Scottie Scheffler begins Masters title defense with two early birdies

Augusta National has been kind to Scheffler throughout his pro career.

Dodgers have one major area of concern despite win over Nationals

Money can buy a lot of things, but apparently not reliable starting pitching.

Max Fried's gem vs. Tigers halts Yankees' losing skid

For a team expected to contend for a World Series title, the Yankees need more out of their starting staff. Max Fried has done his part. It's up to everyone else to follow the ace's lead.

Fowl ball: Yankees OF Cody Bellinger 86s chicken wings following food poisoning

Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger recently took on chicken wings, and the chicken wings won.

Report names prospect 49ers 'praying' falls to them in 2025 NFL Draft

The 49ers have been among the biggest losers this offseason, with eight total defenders signing elsewhere.

Shane Smith gives White Sox something to be hopeful about

The White Sox are the worst team in baseball, so they must embrace wins where they can find them. So, we wouldn't fault them for popping champagne after starting pitcher Shane Smith's sublime Tuesday outing against the Guardians.

Watch: Mets SS Francisco Lindor crushes ball for first home run of 2025 season

It was Lindor's 21st lead-off home run in his 11-year MLB career.

Men's national championship takeaways: Florida caps off historic SEC season

Here are some takeaways from the championship game as we put a bow on the 2024-25 season.

Mets set a franchise record with shutout win over Marlins

The Mets pitched another beauty on Monday. It's becoming a trend 10 games into the 2025 season.

Five under-the-radar prospects to know before 2025 WNBA Draft

The 2024-25 women's college basketball season might have just ended on Sunday, but it's already time to turn our attention to the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Panthers thinking big with unorthodox free-agent signing

The Panthers added a massive tight end prospect on Monday. And he comes from an unlikely source.

Dodgers close to receiving full Shohei Ohtani experience after positive update

On Saturday, 2024 NL MVP Shohei Ohtani inched closer to a return to the mound following a "positive" bullpen session. 

Men's Final Four takeaways: Florida-Auburn is college basketball cinema

The men's college basketball NCAA Tournament national semifinals tipped off with a bang on Saturday, as Florida advanced to its first national title game since 2007 following a 79-73 win over Auburn.

Cubs begin season on right foot as win streak reaches five games

The Chicago Cubs have begun the 2025 season on the right foot. 

Rangers' playoff hopes diminish with loss to Devils

The Rangers missed an excellent opportunity to pull even with the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference wild-card standings after falling to the Metropolitan Division-rival Devils, 4-0, on Saturday.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees announcement adds to banner UConn weekend

UConn added to a banner weekend for the program when two former stars were selected to the Naismith Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

Patriots show faith in QB Drake Maye with Cowboys trade

The Patriots double-dipped on quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Thursday's trade with the Cowboys showed where the organization's allegiance lies.

Watch: Mets 1B Pete Alonso's late home run keys win in extra innings

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso came through with a clutch home run in the top of the eighth inning against the Marlins on Wednesday.

Watch: Jackson Merrill quickly rewards Padres for massive payday

Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill celebrated a massive payday with a two-run home run against the Guardians on Wednesday.

LSU continues transfer portal overhaul with 2024-25 All-CAA addition

LSU continued to remake its backcourt with Wednesday's significant transfer portal addition.

Recent Todd Bowles comments a bad look for fourth-year Buccaneers HC

Bowles is 27-24 in three seasons as the team's head coach.

Five bold men's Final Four predictions: Who's in national title game Monday night?

The 2025 men's NCAA Tournament Final Four is  Saturday in San Antonio. Before Auburn-Florida (6:09 ET) and Duke-Houston tip off (8:49 ET, CBS), here are five predictions for this year's national semifinals.