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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

June 1, 2024 | Carolina Panthers

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Carolina Panthers

Coming off a 2-15 season, it might be hard for the Panthers to stay positive. But we're here to help.

June 1, 2024 | Atlanta Falcons

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Atlanta Falcons

Here are three reasons why Atlanta should like its chances in 2024.

May 30, 2024 | Minnesota Twins

Watch: Twins DH Ryan Jeffers snaps home run drought with two in consecutive at-bats

Twins designated hitter Ryan Jeffers broke out of a home run slump in a major way on Thursday.

May 30, 2024 | MLB

Watch: Brewers outfielder turns on the jets to give team early lead against Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick turned it up on the bases during Thursday's series finale against the Chicago Cubs and old friend Craig Counsell.

May 29, 2024 | Pittsburgh Pirates

Another masterpiece by Paul Skenes caps remarkable calendar year for rookie phenom

Pirates rookie starting pitcher Paul Skenes had another excellent outing on Wednesday, capping an incredible calendar year for the young star.

May 28, 2024 | MLB

'Best' moments of Angel Hernandez's infamous MLB career

While his decision doesn't fix all of the world's problems, it's a start. Let's honor Hernandez's error-filled career.

May 27, 2024 | NHL

Watch: Stars storm back with three-goal flurry to take lead over Oilers

The Stars shocked the Oilers with three goals in 183 seconds to take a 3-2 lead in Game 3.

May 27, 2024 | NHL

Watch: Connor McDavid's goal gives Edmonton early advantage in Game 3

Oilers center Connor McDavid helped give Edmonton an early 2-0 lead in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Stars.

May 27, 2024 | Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani shares major update on his pitching rehab

Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani remains on track to return to the mound in 2025 following an update he gave reporters on Monday.

May 26, 2024 | WNBA

Three stars from Saturday's WNBA games

Which players stood out during the Saturday's WNBA slate?

May 25, 2024 | NBA

Three stars from Saturday's NBA playoffs

The Boston Celtics reeled the Indiana Pacers in from down 18 points to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. How did they do it and who led the way?

May 25, 2024 | WNBA

Watch: Sun forward Alyssa Thomas ejected after hard foul on Sky's Angel Reese

Last year's WNBA MVP runner-up had a near-WWE moment while taking down rookie star Angel Reese on a rebound.

May 25, 2024 | NBA

NBA Finals path clears for Celtics with devastating Pacers injury update

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) appears unlikely to play in a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday, paving a clear path for the Celtics to advance to the next round.

May 25, 2024 | WNBA

How Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and others' pro starts stack up to WNBA history

The 2024 WNBA rookie class has already made waves not even two weeks into the regular season.

May 23, 2024 | NFL

NFL's 10 hottest head-coaching seats entering 2024 season

Eight NFL teams hired new head coaches in the offseason and 14 teams are coming off playoff appearances, so most franchises are probably perfectly content with their HCs. But here are the 10 head coaches who are feeling more heat than their peers heading into the 2024 season.