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

Montana State pulls off huge second-half comeback to win third straight Big Sky Tournament

Few could have imagined it'd be headed to the NCAA Tournament, but after winning its third game in three nights, Montana State surprisingly still has life left in it.

Five burning NFL questions at the start of the 2024 league year

Questions abound as the NFL's 2024 league year commences.

Watch: Panthers storm back from 3-0 deficit in possible Stanley Cup preview

Per ESPNBet, the Panthers (+650) are the favorite to win this year's Stanley Cup. They have a three-point lead on the Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings and an NHL-best plus-65 goal differential.

Stunning NEC Tournament final leads to No. 6 seed going dancing

An unexpected king is atop the Northeast Conference. On Tuesday, Wagner, which entered the conference tournament as the 6-seed, stunned 2-seed Merrimack in the finals, 54-47.

Winners and losers from Day 2 of NFL's free-agency period

On the eve of the official start of the 2024 league year, the Ravens gave quarterback Lamar Jackson a new running mate in the backfield, the Texans leveled up and the Cowboys took a long nap. Here are the winners and losers from another hectic day.

Former No. 1 overall pick's pending signing with Browns gives QB Deshaun Watson new backup

Former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston is headed to the Browns to serve as backup to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

Why Monday wasn't a (total) disaster for the Panthers

If you look beyond the Brian Burns fiasco, the Panthers had a decent day.

Watch: Warriors rookie puts Victor Wembanyama on a poster

It wasn't the only time the rookie posterized a Spurs defender.

NCAA Tournament automatic bid caps rise of Samford, HC Bucky McMillan

Samford head coach Bucky McMillan has the Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 24 years after winning the first Southern Conference title in program history on Monday.

RB Austin Ekeler could be next Commanders QB's best friend

 The Commanders are making their next quarterback's job easier.

Winners and losers from the unofficial start of NFL free agency

NFL free agency doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but the legal tampering period opened on Monday with a flurry of moves across the league.

Stock up, stock down entering championship week in college basketball

Selection Sunday for the 2024 NCAA Tournament is next week, and some teams are in good shape for March Madness, peaking at the right time.

Lakers star: 'Public humiliation' has turned me into a 'killer' on the court

The Lakers guard dropped an eye-popping quote in his postgame news conference. 

Way-too-early Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft preview

For Tampa to build on its surprising run, here are three players it should target in next month's draft.

Way-too-early New Orleans Saints NFL Draft preview

How can the Saints maximize their playoff chances through the draft?

Report: Eagles seeking to unload top 2023 edge-rushers in offseason trades

The Eagles could be active in the trade market this offseason.

Way-too-early Carolina Panthers NFL Draft preview

The Carolina Panthers are going to take part in the draft, though whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

Bombshell report reveals how Panthers have botched Brian Burns situation

The Panthers painted themselves into a corner with edge-rusher Brian Burns.

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen facing even more pressure after round of cuts

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen is going to be tasked with propping up a team that is actively cutting real talent

Way-too-early Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft preview

Here are three players the Falcons should target in the draft as they look to continue their journey back to contention.

Questionable NFL buyouts to pave way for league's international pursuit

The NFL's pursuit of international expansion is costing people their jobs.

Zion Williamson gives one stipulation for competing in dunk contest

The NBA's Slam-Dunk Contest could get a much-needed boost next season...if Zion Williamson is named a 2025 All-Star.

Trey Murphy III's scoring outburst shows how dangerous Pelicans can be in playoffs

The Pelicans dominated the Raptors in a 41-point win on Tuesday night without any of their starters scoring more than 17 points. That's because forward Trey Murphy III decided to take over the game.

Five potential landing spots for Saquon Barkley in free agency

Multiple reports indicate that the Giants declined to tag Barkley before Tuesday's deadline, allowing the seventh-year running back to hit the open market.