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

April 18, 2024 | NBA

Eastern and Western Conference play-in teams' odds to advance take hit with brutal injuries

Two teams are on perilous ground as they get set to host play-in games on Friday night to determine the final playoff spots in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

April 17, 2024 | College Football

Stock up, stock down: Who's soaring and who's fading before the 2024 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is almost here. With only about a week until the Bears are officially on the clock, let's examine which players are receiving positive stock updates and who is trending in the wrong direction.

April 16, 2024 | Indiana Fever

2024 WNBA Draft draws eye-popping viewership numbers

The WNBA learned a valuable lesson on Monday night. When Caitlin Clark is on television, people watch.

April 16, 2024 | Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark's pay inequity takes center stage

Clark will make $76,535 during her rookie season.

April 16, 2024 | Michigan Wolverines

Why Giants should avoid trading up for QB in 2024 NFL Draft

The Giants make a bold trade in NFL insider Peter Schrager's mock draft released on Tuesday, a move the front office should resist making in real life.

April 16, 2024 | Brooklyn Nets

Nets to turn to Kings' top assistant to fill HC opening

The Nets wasted no time finding their next head coach following the end of the regular season.

April 15, 2024 | Las Vegas Aces

Aces didn't need a first-round pick to be one of WNBA Draft's biggest winners

The two-time defending champion Aces were one of the 2024 WNBA Draft's biggest winners despite not having a first-round pick.

April 15, 2024 | Chicago Sky

Former SEC rivals drafted by Chicago Sky in WNBA Draft

After two epic battles during the 2023-24 season, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are now WNBA teammates.

April 15, 2024 | Iowa Hawkeyes

Watch: Indiana Fever make it official, draft Caitlin Clark No. 1 overall

There was no surprise at the top of the 2024 WNBA Draft. The Indiana Fever selected guard Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick in a decision that will shock absolutely no one.

April 15, 2024 | NBA

Ranking the NBA's play-in teams from least to most dangerous

The NBA's play-in tournament begins on Tuesday. Here's our rankings of the teams from least to most dangerous.

April 14, 2024 | Kentucky Wildcats

Watch: Kentucky head coach Mark Pope makes incredible entrance at introduction

New Kentucky HC Mark Pope certainly has the fans behind him, for now anyway.

April 14, 2024 | Golf

What we learned during the final round of the Masters

Scottie Scheffler has a second green jacket. Things got tight on Sunday for a brief moment until Scheffler separated himself in the middle of the round for his third win in his last four PGA Tour events.

April 13, 2024 | Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama spring game takeaways: Jalen Milroe, RBs excel in Kalen DeBoer's first scrimmage

We got our first glimpse of Bama football post-Saban during Saturday's spring game, and here are our takeaways.

April 13, 2024 | LSU Tigers

LSU QB appears ready to carry Jayden Daniels' Heisman torch with perfect spring game

Is LSU the next QBU?

April 13, 2024 | Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State spring game takeaways: Defense shines, question at quarterback remains

Ohio State showed why it's a 2024 title contender during its spring game on Saturday. Here are the takeaways.

April 13, 2024 | Soccer

Welcome to League One: Wrexham receives second consecutive promotion

The club was an afterthought when actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased it in November 2020.

April 13, 2024 | Atlanta Braves

Why Braves should be able to take starting pitcher's major injury update in stride

Losing an ace such as Spencer Strider this early in the season would be a devastating blow for most teams. But most teams aren't the Atlanta Braves.

April 11, 2024 | Golf

Watch: Tiger Woods birdies first hole at 2024 Masters

Tiger Woods looked good on his first hole at the 2024 Masters. The 15-time major champion birdied the par-4, 445-yard hol — a much better start than the one he had last year.

April 11, 2024 | Golf

Bryson DeChambeau exorcises Masters demons with excellent opening round

What once was a house of horrors for DeChambeau turned into a funhouse during the opening round of the Masters. The LIV golfer took the lead at Augusta National after an opening-round 65, a massive improvement from last year when he began the tournament with a 74 and missed the weekend cut.