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

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.

Defenseman addition could pull Hurricanes closer to Panthers

His aggressiveness as a defender will be welcomed.

Knicks make themselves more attractive to coaching candidates with frontcourt signing

The Knicks have worked quickly this offseason to fortify themselves as arguably the Eastern Conference favorites entering 2025-26. All they need is a head coach.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic contract could lead to tough Thunder decisions

It will be interesting to see how the front office navigates the negative effects of potentially entering the second apron while playing in a smaller market.

Blue Jays emerging as viable AL East contender after win over Yankees

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees on Monday, 5-4, to move two games behind the AL East leaders. Thanks to their recent hot streak, the Blue Jays have emerged as a legitimate division contender.

Rockets bolster depth with free-agent signing to continue active offseason

The Houston Rockets didn't wait long to bolster their depth after their recent blockbuster Kevin Durant trade.

Mystics guard deserves serious Rookie of the Year consideration

Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers missed Saturday's win against the Washington Mystics, but fans still caught a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate.

Who will win the NL Central, MLB's most competitive division?

Midway through the 2025 MLB season, the NL Central has emerged as the most competitive in baseball. Five games separated the top four teams entering Saturday.

Latest Shohei Ohtani pitching performance should scare rest of MLB

Three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani's most recent return trip the mound should strike fear in the rest of MLB.

Novak Djokovic discusses potentially setting Grand Slam record at 2025 Wimbledon

Before Novak Djokovic kicks off his pursuit of a record 25th tennis Grand Slam on Tuesday at Wimbledon 2025, the 24-time major champion knows what type of opportunity lies in front of him.

John Gibson trade might not be solution to Red Wings' goalie woes

Despite their hopes to the contrary, the Detroit Red Wings' recent trade for Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson might not solve their goalie woes.

Astros remind league they're still contenders with Phillies sweep

With half the season down and one half to go, the Astros once again look like they could rule MLB by season's end.

NHL's CBA extension puts league in rare position

The NHL is in a position it doesn't find itself often. On Thursday, Daily Faceoff reported that the league and NHL Players Association having agreed to the framework of a four-year collective bargaining agreement extension that runs through 2029-30.

NFL hot takes: One NFC player on each team who must sizzle in 2025

Sizzle or fizzle? For dozens of NFL players, it's time for them to finally shine in the white-hot spotlight. Ahead of training camps opening in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify a player on each NFC team who must get hot this season.

Widely panned Pelicans' Derik Queen trade isn't as crazy as it seems

The Pelicans threw a curveball in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft when they traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 for Derik Queen.

Jacob Misiorowski's incredible MLB start raises Brewers' 2025 ceiling

Brewers rookie starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitched another gem on Wednesday, adding to his fantastic career start and raising the team's 2025 ceiling.

Rockets lock in key contributor to bolster 2025-26 championship outlook

He has been an indispensable veteran for the Rockets as they've risen from the West's cellar to title contender.

Fever make most of DeWanna Bonner situation by re-signing hardship exception standout

Bonner's unceremonious exit could have been another setback for an Indiana squad expected to contend for a WNBA title before the season began. 

NFL's top QB/WR duos: Did Aaron Rodgers-DK Metcalf crack top 10?

During a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed wide receiver DK Metcalf was a major draw in his decision to sign with the organization.

Kristaps Porzingis trade could be Hawks' last chance to build around Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks are potentially giving Trae Young one final hurrah.

DeWanna Bonner update leaves Caitlin Clark, Fever without valuable veteran leader

If the Indiana Fever are going to live up to expectations this season, they'll likely do so without one of their biggest 2025 free-agent acquisitions.