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

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.

Watch: TCU WR Jack Bech ends Senior Bowl with unbelievable TD

TCU wide receiver Jack Bech produced one of the greatest moments in Senior Bowl history on Saturday.

Auburn's Johni Broome adds to compelling NPOY case in win over Ole Miss

The battle between Auburn forward Johni Broome and Duke forward Cooper Flagg for men's basketball National Player of the Year honors is coming down to the wire.

Watch: Arizona-Arizona State overshadowed by headbutt, multiple ejections

This was a messy way for this rivalry game to end.

St. John's survives epic collapse, stays atop Big East with last-second FG vs. Providence

St. John's nearly blew a 19-point second-half lead, but Kadary Richmond wouldn't allow it.

Troubling precedent leads to concern over NFL's handling of Justin Tucker allegations 

Justin Tucker might have attempted his last field goal with the Ravens. But considering the league's history of pathetic responses to misconduct towards women, it likely won't have anything to do with Thursday's troubling allegations.

Sweet 16: Tennessee's WNBA bid is too perfect for league to pass on

The race to secure a spot in the WNBA's expansion era is in full swing.

Super Bowl LIX preview: What to watch when Chiefs, Eagles are on offense

Before the big game, we preview four keys when the Chiefs and Eagles are on offense.

Five under-the-radar NFL Draft prospects improving their stock at 2025 Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl is in full swing, featuring several big names in the 2025 NFL Draft. The event is also an excellent way for unheralded prospects to make a name for themselves.

Why Kellen Moore is best remaining candidate for Saints HC job

The Saints are running out of options in their 2025 head coaching search, with Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore one of the few remaining under consideration. Here's why he's the best choice for the franchise.

Mike McCarthy 2026 coaching destinations: Examining seven potential options for Super Bowl-winning coach

With McCarthy deciding to take a year off, here are seven potential landing spots in 2026.

How Browns' Myles Garrett update could make defensive ends the hottest commodity of NFL Draft

On Tuesday, 2025 NFL Draft edge-rushing prospects' draft stock improved.

Ranking who has most at stake in Super Bowl LIX

A worldwide audience of more than 100 million people will tune into Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday (6:30 p.m.

Tre Donaldson's 7-0 run spurs Michigan rally against Penn State

Michigan junior guard Tre Donaldson's 7-0 individual run propelled the Wolverines to a come-from-behind Big Ten win against Penn State on Monday.

Outstanding Cooper Flagg has Duke looking like future national champions

With another excellent performance from the Wooden Award contender, it's easy to understand why the Blue Devils are the favorites to win the men's 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Watch: Amen Thompson's game-winner vs. Celtics proves Rockets are legit

The Houston Rockets have arrived. On Monday, Houston snapped a four-game road losing streak to the defending-champion Boston Celtics with a 114-112 win.

Watch: Unbelievable sequence lifts No. 7 Houston to road win vs. No. 12 Kansas

No. 7 Houston left Allen Fieldhouse with a stunning 92-86 win over No. 12 Kansas after sending the game into a second overtime with an improbable sequence. 

Jets GM Darren Mougey has tough early test in new job

It won't take long for recently hired Jets general manager Darren Mougey to prove his worth.

Vanderbilt proves SEC's depth with win over No. 9 Kentucky

Vanderbilt's resume-building win over No. 9 Kentucky was another illustration of the SEC's 2024-25 depth.

Despite backtracking, Tyreek Hill and Dolphins are headed for collision

While the seas have calmed, the waters can still get choppy.

New Dan Snyder report makes Commanders' success even sweeter

While Snyder is still a headache for the NFL, the Commanders are living their best lives without him.

Where does new Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer land on NFL head-coaching hires list?

The NFL hiring cycle is nearing its conclusion, with six of the seven openings filled.

Butterfly effect: How Liam Coen's reversal impacts Jets and Saints in OC, HC searches

When Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen reversed course and decided to become the Jaguars head coach, it created a ripple effect.

Best 20 players on NFL championship Sunday: Is Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes No. 1?

Sunday's NFC and AFC championship games feature no shortage of star power. 

Oilers should take Connor McDavid's advice after star forward breaks silence on three-game suspension

Oilers forward Connor McDavid might not agree with his league-imposed three-game suspension, but he's ready to put in the past.