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

Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list

 Maybe this will get Yankees fans off Aaron Judge's back. The 2022 AL MVP blasted home run No. 261 of his career on Wednesday against the A's, passing Yankees legend Derek Jeter on the franchise's all-time home run list.

Pelicans' Zion Williamson provides major update on hamstring injury

Williamson played a career-high 70 games for the Pelicans during the regular season and was poised to make his playoff debut this year.

NBA Draft analyst shares positive outlook on Zach Edey's pro potential

Two-time college basketball Player of the Year Zach Edey officially declared for the NBA Draft on Tuesday, and the intriguing pro prospect already has one fan.

Watch: Auston Matthews goal leads to Maple Leafs tying series against Bruins

Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews' first goal of the 2024 postseason couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  

ESPN NBA analyst to interview for league head-coaching opening

Could the ESPN color commentator be trading in his headset for a spot on an NBA bench?

Recent report confirms Chiefs HC Andy Reid isn't retiring anytime soon

On Monday, ESPN's Field Yates reported that Reid, general manager Brett Veach and team president Mark Donovan each received contract extensions.

2021 quarterback class sets worrisome precedent ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

NFL front offices and fans might want to wait on pumping their fists if their team drafts a quarterback on Thursday night.

Deion Sanders, Colorado land former Ohio State RB via transfer portal

Colorado scored an impressive transfer portal commitment on Monday when former Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden announced he's headed to Boulder.

MLB 30-day stock report: Why the Mets and Astros are headed in opposite directions

The New York Mets have been one of the pleasant surprises in baseball this spring. The Houston Astros, one of the biggest disappointments. Taking stock for the first 30 days of the MLB season.

10 bold 2024 NFL Draft predictions: Several records broken, QB prospect drops to Day 2

After months of speculation and rumors, we're only days away from the 2024 NFL Draft. Here are 10 bold predictions for this year's event.

Watch: Jim Harbaugh commemorates NCAA title with '15-0' tattoo

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is a man of his word.

Rangers' top pitching prospect has forgettable MLB debut

Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter's MLB debut started so promising, but the ending? Not so much.

Who's next? Examining the CFB QBs set to take over for 2023 stars

Spring is in the air, and with it is college football fans' first glimpse of several quarterbacks stepping into the massive shoes left behind by future NFL pros.

Eastern and Western Conference play-in teams' odds to advance take hit with brutal injuries

Two teams are on perilous ground as they get set to host play-in games on Friday night to determine the final playoff spots in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Stock up, stock down: Who's soaring and who's fading before the 2024 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is almost here. With only about a week until the Bears are officially on the clock, let's examine which players are receiving positive stock updates and who is trending in the wrong direction.

2024 WNBA Draft draws eye-popping viewership numbers

The WNBA learned a valuable lesson on Monday night. When Caitlin Clark is on television, people watch.

Caitlin Clark's pay inequity takes center stage

Clark will make $76,535 during her rookie season.

Why Giants should avoid trading up for QB in 2024 NFL Draft

The Giants make a bold trade in NFL insider Peter Schrager's mock draft released on Tuesday, a move the front office should resist making in real life.

Nets to turn to Kings' top assistant to fill HC opening

The Nets wasted no time finding their next head coach following the end of the regular season.

Aces didn't need a first-round pick to be one of WNBA Draft's biggest winners

The two-time defending champion Aces were one of the 2024 WNBA Draft's biggest winners despite not having a first-round pick.

Former SEC rivals drafted by Chicago Sky in WNBA Draft

After two epic battles during the 2023-24 season, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are now WNBA teammates.

Watch: Indiana Fever make it official, draft Caitlin Clark No. 1 overall

There was no surprise at the top of the 2024 WNBA Draft. The Indiana Fever selected guard Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick in a decision that will shock absolutely no one.

Ranking the NBA's play-in teams from least to most dangerous

The NBA's play-in tournament begins on Tuesday. Here's our rankings of the teams from least to most dangerous.