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

Matthew Stafford 2025 destinations: Could Rams really move on from Super Bowl-winning QB?

We made it two days before our first wild rumor of the 2025 NFL offseason.

Five NBA playoff races to watch in the season's second half

As the NBA enters All-Star Weekend, there isn't much drama at the top of the Eastern and Western Conference standings.

This MAC football program is becoming an unexpected NFL hotbed

As the NFL turns its attention to the pre-draft process, an unlikely college football program might be on the verge of producing a breakout defensive star for the second year in a row.

Mavericks becoming NBA's biggest joke after ejecting fans critical of GM Nico Harrison

It's too bad Mavericks fans are in such a foul mood. They're missing out on their team becoming the NBA's biggest joke.

Dirk Nowitzki decision a painful reminder of how poorly Mavericks botched Luka Doncic trade

As heartbreaking as the stunning Luka Doncic trade has been for Mavericks fans, it somehow grew even more painful on Monday.

Historic Super Bowl LIX ratings show nothing is stopping the NFL

Not even Chiefs fatigue or an Eagles blowout could stop the NFL's momentum.

Apparent end to Timberwolves ownership saga leaves unanswered questions

The Timberwolves ownership saga between Glen Taylor and a group led by former MLBer Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore has reached an apparent end. However, questions linger.

Kellen Moore's first moves are most important to future Saints success

The Saints have their next head coach, and Kellen Moore's success or failure will hinge on his first moves in his new post.

Best, worst of Super Bowl LIX: Eagles D-line dominant in blowout

The Eagles are bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Philadelphia after their 40-22 rout of the Chiefs. Here is the best and worst from the on-field action at Super Bowl LIX: Philadelphia's defensive front dominated.

Bugging out: Super Bowl LIX viewers blast Fox's scorebug reveal

Finally, something we can all agree on. The scorebug Fox Sports debuted for Super Bowl LIX stinks.

NFL offseason Q&A: Key dates, notable free agents, schedule release info

Super Bowl LIX and the 2024 season are in the books, so it's time to turn the page to the 2025 offseason. 

Men's NCAA Tournament bubble teams trending up, down: UNC, Vanderbilt and more

The men's college basketball regular season ends in one month on Sunday, March 9. Time is ticking for teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Here are three trending up and three trending down following Saturday's action.

Watch: Anthony Davis makes immediate impact in Mavericks debut

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis made an incredible first impression on fans still reeling from last week's stunning Luka Doncic trade.

Watch: Lightning, Red Wings combine for six goals in wild first period

The Lightning and Red Wings were involved in a scoring barrage in the first period of their Saturday matinee.

Ranking the 2025 NFL offensive coordinator hires: Why Cowboys, Seahawks earn high marks

With 11 of the 12 spots filled, here's our ranking of 2025's offensive coordinator hires.

UWGB coach Doug Gottlieb continues making mockery of college basketball

Does Doug Gottlieb know he has a team to coach? On second thought, it might be better if he doesn't.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s comments put more weight on his shoulders

The Falcons need quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to clean up their mess. On Wednesday, Penix, who just finished his rookie season, discussed an under-the-radar significant topic in Atlanta for 2025.

With Super Bowl win, where would Saquon Barkley rank among the greatest RBs?

With a win in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, Barkley would become the first running back in eight years to rush for 1,000 yards and win a Super Bowl in the same season.

Dismal Pro Bowl Games ratings show NFL exhibition has run its course

Can the NFL take a hint? After the dismal ratings for Sunday's Pro Bowl Games were revealed, fans have spoken.

Most impactful WNBA offseason moves: Caitlin Clark poised for big second act with Fever additions

This 2025 WNBA offseason has been arguably the wildest in league history. With things calming down after a flurry of transactions, here are the five most impactful moves.

Watch: Wild Iowa State-Kansas sequence leads to incredible alley-oop

Associated Press No. 16 Kansas found gold at the end of a wild sequence at home against No. 8 Iowa State.

NHL justified in massive suspension handed to Wild's Ryan Hartman

Wild forward Ryan Hartman certainly earned his 10-game suspension, which the NHL handed to him on Monday.

Warriors have 'serious' desire in reuniting with former dynasty star

The Warriors are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a running mate for point guard Stephen Curry. It might lead them to a stone they've already turned.

Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade winners and losers: How deal could backfire for Dallas

The Lakers and Mavericks made NBA history overnight in the first trade involving two reigning All-NBA players. The deal sending forward Anthony Davis to the Mavericks and guard Luka Doncic to the Lakers will have reverberations for months and years to come.