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

Commanders flaw exposed in blowout preseason loss to Ravens

The Washington Commanders have a potentially significant problem on special teams.

Three burning questions about SEC's huge conference schedule change

The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule, and we have questions.

Five running backs who could be traded before Week 1

Less than week before 53-man rosters are due on Tuesday, Aug. 26, the running back trade market is heating up.

Uncovering each NFL team's 'hidden flaw'

The NFL season will officially kick off before long. This week, Yardbarker's NFL writers got together to uncover the "hidden flaw" each team is still looking to address before Week 1. 

A star is born: Rookie's strong first start gives Guardians glimmer of hope

The Cleveland Guardians might have little to play for in 2025, but rookie starting pitcher Parker Messick's first major league start offered a promising glimpse into their future.

Top Heisman candidates per mid-major conference

Former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty nearly became the first non-power conference Heisman Trophy winner since 1990 last season. Who could follow him as a potential finalist from the Group of Five (and Pac-12) in 2025?

Top Heisman candidates per Power Four conference

The 2025 preseason Heisman picture features some big names, but who are the top candidates per conference?

Next class: Ranking freshman QBs under most pressure in 2025

In the past 24 hours, four freshman have been named starting quarterbacks this season. Soon, more might join them. We rank the six by who's under the most pressure in 2025.

Changing of the guard: Power ranking 2025's NFL Week 1 QB changes

12 teams will have a different starting QB from Week 1 last season. Who's better off, and who will regret making a switch?

Prediction paints troubling picture for Colts in 2025

As Shane Steichen gets set to embark on a pivotal third season as Colts head coach, one NFL analyst recently threw cold water on a potential 2025 breakthrough.

Unsung Bengals bubble wide receiver turns heads with incredible touchdowns against Commanders

It's hard to stand out in the stacked Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver room, but Mitchell Tinsley did just that on Monday against the Washington Commanders.

Commanders quickly reveal logic behind Brian Robinson decision in first quarter against Bengals

The Washington Commanders sent a message with their opening offensive script.  

Texas Tech's lucrative transfer portal class takes hit with significant injury

The Texas Tech Red Raiders might have already lost a member of their lucrative transfer portal class. 

Raiders' Ashton Jeanty fuels hype for rookie season with performance vs. 49ers

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty looked every bit like a future featured back in the first half of preseason Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lynx leave no doubt they're WNBA's best with win over Liberty

Missing perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier for a fourth consecutive game, the Lynx didn't blink in Saturday's rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the Liberty.

Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson leaving Colts with impossible decision

Will the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback please stand up?

Surging Aces make A'ja Wilson a legit WNBA MVP contender

Midway through the final full month of the regular season, a familiar name has emerged as a viable candidate in the WNBA MVP race.

Kyle Tucker extends slump as Cubs continue to fade in NL Central race

The Cubs' fall from grace has hit outfielder Kyle Tucker the hardest.

Flawed NFL arbitration process under scrutiny after Jon Gruden, Brian Flores rulings

It's a good thing for the NFL that it uses a shield as its logo, because this week, the league needed protection.

NFL backup quarterback ratings 2025: Assessing all 32 teams

A major injury suffered by a starting quarterback can ruin a season if an NFL team doesn't have a solid backup plan.

Five best NFL offseason value signings on defense: NFC East rivals earn high marks

Here are signings from five defensive positions (tackle, edge, linebacker, cornerback and safety) this offseason that already look good and have a decent chance of becoming more attractive in the coming years.

Saints veteran catches break following injury scare as he tries to get career on track

He's fortunate to have avoided a significant injury and might be able to play himself into a sizable payday in 2026.

Bears wideout embracing expanded role heading into 2025 season

The Bears are putting a lot on wideout D.J. Moore's plate, and early in the preseason, he's embracing it all.