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

NFC under-the-radar rookies, training camp reporting dates

The first round of the NFL Draft doesn't produce all the stars. Teams also mine gems beyond the first 32 picks.

NFLPA executive director should be on hot seat after explosive collusion findings confirmed

NFLPA leadership has been grossly inept at being transparent.

Colorado HC Deion Sanders provides QB update following Shedeur Sanders' departure

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders provided an update on his team's quarterback competition on Wednesday during Big 12 media days in Dallas. 

Commanders 2025 alternate jerseys lean into team's lofty expectations

The Washington Commanders are dressing for the part. On Wednesday, the franchise revealed throwback jerseys for the 2025 season. 

Which 'hungry' AFC West rival is biggest threat to Chiefs reign?

Expectations are mile-high in Denver — and everywhere in the AFC West — entering the 2025 NFL season.  

Angel Reese continues hot streak with monster game against Mystics

The Sky have legitimate flaws, but Reese isn't one of them.

Cooper Flagg-Bronny James Summer League showdown tickets selling for staggering amount

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is the hottest ticket in Las Vegas.

Taylor Fritz win continues American men's tennis upward trajectory

Taylor Fritz continued his remarkable 2025 Wimbledon run on Tuesday.

Steelers legend calls out team's handling of former first-round pick

A franchise legend was critical of the team's handling of a recent first-round pick.

Could Dodgers' pitching woes alter their plans for Shohei Ohtani?

The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching woes might test the team's plans for two-way star Shohei Ohtani.

Massive Paolo Banchero extension continues Magic's all-in offseason

With Paolo Banchero agreeing to a massive extension, the Orlando Magic locked in another key piece to what could potentially be a burgeoning Eastern Conference power.

Grigor Dimitrov handed another brutal break in Wimbledon loss

During the fourth round of the Wimbledon men's singles tournament, the 34-year-old — No. 21 in the world rankings — suffered a pectoral injury against No. 1 Jannik Sinner, forcing him to retire from the match despite winning the first two sets and being tied in the third, 6-3, 7-5, 2-2.

Carlos Rodon struggling at wrong time for slumping Yankees

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon's struggles couldn't have come at a worse time. 

Alvin Kamara gets do-over after hilarious Wrigley Field first pitch

We don't think Kamara is quitting his day job.

Emma Navarro win continues unprecedented run of parity in Wimbledon singles' ladies draw

The unprecedented run of parity in the Wimbledon ladies' singles draw extended on Saturday.

Texas Tech continues massive athletics investment with historic signing

The Texas Tech Red Raiders announced themselves as a major player in college athletics' revenue-sharing era on Friday with a historic football signing.

Sacramento State's recruiting win could boost program's FBS prospects

The Sacramento State Hornets might be stuck in FCS, but their massive Fourth of July recruiting win showed they can recruit like one of the big dogs.

Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong illustrates MVP case in Independence Day win

In honor of America's founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago on July 4, 1776, Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made his own bold declaration against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Latest recruiting win makes it harder for USC to move on from Lincoln Riley

Riley received another significant recruiting win on Friday. For a coach potentially on the hot seat entering 2025, it could make it harder for USC to part ways.

Joey Chestnut once again king of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

It's the most disgusting time of the year.

Ben Shelton proves Wimbledon decision foolish after quick final game

When Wimbledon officials postponed Ben Shelton's second-round match on Thursday, they only delayed the inevitable.

Offensive fireworks? Grading NFC skill-position groups

The usual suspect — we're looking at you, Detroit Lions — should again have a high-powered offense. But what teams enter could enter the 2025 NFL season with dreadful offenses?

Mike Brown earns another high-stakes coaching job with Knicks hire

If there's one thing we know about Brown, it's that he loves a challenge.

Why Damian Lillard shouldn't rush free-agency decision

Damian Lillard already has suitors lined up after his surprising release from the Milwaukee Bucks, but he has few reasons to hurry and make a decision.  

Massive Wimbledon upset a boost to Carlos Alcaraz's title hopes

Just one day after a perilous start to 2025 Wimbledon, Alcaraz's outlook already looks much brighter.