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

2025 Carolina Panthers projected win total, prediction

After improving by three wins last year, the Panthers are looking to take another step forward this fall.

Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes stave off elimination, Panthers miss star forward

For the first time since "X-Men: The Last Stand" ruled the box office in 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes have won an Eastern Conference Final game.

Watch: Hurricanes take first ECF lead over Panthers with second-period goal

It's better late than never for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Charlie Morton gives Orioles hope they can salvage lost 2025 season

The Baltimore Orioles are down, but they might not be out.

Red Sox are wasting an outstanding season from Garrett Crochet

This isn't what the Boston Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet for.

2025 Atlanta Falcons projected win total, prediction

The Atlanta Falcons have gone all-in to snap their seven-year playoff drought, but will it be enough? Below, we take an early look at the Falcons' projected win total for the 2025 season.

Yankees could accomplish feat not seen since 2013 after latest Max Fried gem

New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried threw another gem on Saturday, adding another exhibit to his growing case for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award.

Watch: Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. hits second HR following injury return

Ronald Acuna Jr. is exactly what the Atlanta Braves have needed.

Watch: Rafael Devers stays hot with walk-off hit for Red Sox

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers walked off the Baltimore Orioles in the first game of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday. 

Watch: Absurd Caitlin Clark three gives Fever distance over Liberty in early showdown

Clark snapped a 0-14 streak from three-point range with two massive makes late in the third quarter of Saturday's early season showdown with the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty.

Fever arrive in close loss to defending WNBA champion Liberty

The Indiana Fever went toe-to-toe with the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty on Saturday. 

Aidan Hutchinson recovery update adds heat to 2025 Comeback Player of the Year race

The 2025 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award race could be one of the most hotly contested in seasons. 

Injury thins out Saints QB competition

The New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback competition could be a war of attrition. 

2024-25 NBA MVP announcement takeaways: How voters (and Clippers) got things very wrong

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2024-25 NBA MVP, but was it the right decision?

Three things we're looking forward to on this season of HBO's 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills'

On Wednesday, the NFL and HBO announced that the Buffalo Bills will be the focus of the 2025 training camp edition of "Hard Knocks," set to premiere on August 5. Here are three things we're most interested in seeing when the docuseries premieres this summer.

Five NFL rule changes we actually want after tush push ban fails

The league has more pressing rule changes it should consider next offseason before another round of tush push discourse.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 NFL schedule analysis

We've had a week to dissect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 schedule. For a full list of games, click here. Here's a look at what stands out most, including one date we're circling, the toughest and easiest stretches, plus a key takeaway.

Fever-Sky ratings set high bar for 2025 WNBA season

The eye-popping viewership indicates the league's remarkable 2024 growth wasn't a blip but the start of the sport's explosion in popularity.

Florida's repeat hopes bolstered with significant transfer portal addition

Fresh off its first national title since 2007, Florida is still dancing after its latest transfer portal signing.

Wings should feel fine despite their 0-2 start to WNBA season

The Dallas Wings fell to 0-2 on Monday, yet they should feel anything but down. Because after Paige Bueckers' strong game, brighter days are on the horizon.

New Orleans Saints' 2025 NFL schedule analysis

Let's take a closer look at the Saints' second-easiest league schedule, including one date to circle, the toughest (and easiest) four-game stretch and a key takeaway.

Carolina Panthers 2025 NFL schedule analysis

We take a closer look at Carolina's fifth-easiest league schedule, including one date to circle, the toughest (and easiest) four-game stretch and a key takeaway.

Fred Warner extension shows linebackers are undervalued in today's NFL

The San Francisco 49ers have struck gold with their latest contract extension.

Watch: Scottie Scheffler's eagle gives him lead at 2025 PGA Championship

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler raced atop the leaderboard at the 2025 PGA Championship with an incredible eagle on the 14th hole.

Watch: Fever guard Caitin Clark bookends first half of 2025 season debut with three-pointers

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark bookended a strong first half in the Fever's 2025 season opener against the Chicago Sky with a pair of threes, helping give Indiana a 45-32 halftime lead.