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

Former national champion coach fires shot at Texas, Arch Manning

Oddsmakers are ready to anoint the Texas Longhorns as the SEC's best team, but this former national championship-winning coach isn't having it.

March Madness star linked to retooling East squad

Walter Clayton Jr. might not have to travel far for his NBA home.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh keeps Aaron Judge at arm's length in HR race

Hours after New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge closed the gap in the AL's classic-in-the-making home run race, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh extended his lead once again.

Ronald Acuna Jr.'s MVP-form could salvage Braves season

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. remained in MVP form on Monday. That's excellent news for a Braves team in desperate need of something to celebrate.

Five teams most likely to continue NBA's run of parity in 2025-26

Here are five teams that could extend the league's run to eight champions in eight seasons in 2025-26.

Kade Anderson's masterpiece in MCWS shows why he should be No. 1 pick in MLB Draft

LSU Tigers starting pitcher Kade Anderson's gem against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in Saturday's 1-0 win has the Bayou Bengals one win away from the 2025 Men's College World Series title.

Rafael Devers continues to torment Red Sox with first Giants HR

San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is still tormenting the Boston Red Sox.

Chicago Sky will keep falling until they fix glaring weakness

The Chicago Sky are falling. And until they solve their biggest weakness, things aren't likely to get much better.

Rays a legitimate AL contender after second win over Tigers

After falling five games below .500 on May 19 (21-26), the Rays have been the best team in baseball, going 22-8 over their last 30 games.

Ranking post-merger NBA Game 7s from worst to best

The most recent NBA Finals Game 7 is the gold standard.

Absurd first career HR a promising sign for Royals top prospect

Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone made sure his first career home run was a memorable one.

Chief weakness for every NFC starting quarterback

No starting QB is perfect — even three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Ahead of training camps opening in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the chief weakness of every starting quarterback in the NFC.

Lakers sale could lead to the franchise's next golden age

The next golden age of the Los Angeles Lakers could soon be upon us.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson gets wish, extra scrutiny after two-time Pro Bowl signing

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson added a job title on Wednesday: assistant general manager.

Rams' trade 'obstacles' could have significant impact on 2025 outlook 

Sean McVay recently conceded that "obstacles" could hinder the team's attempt to trade for Jalen Ramsey. If correct, it could limit what the Rams are capable of in 2025.

Astros outfielder adds to emerging ROY case with huge game in blowout win

Houston Astros rookie outfielder Cam Smith continued to build his case for American League Rookie of the Year consideration with a huge game on Tuesday.

Deebo Samuel update could have significant impact on 2025 Commanders

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn recently discussed what he's seen from Samuel during offseason workouts, and his comments could raise expectations for the Commanders this fall.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins Hall of Fame company with Game 5 performance

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is a win away from his first NBA championship, but he's already put himself in conversation with basketball legends following a historic Game 5 performance.

Red Sox CBO's bold prediction could come back to haunt him

Following Sunday's stunning Rafael Devers trade, Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow potentially made things worse after sharing a bold prediction.

10 things to know about historic Gage Wood start at 2025 MCWS

Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Gage Wood completed arguably the greatest start in men's College World Series history on Monday, throwing a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts in a 3-0 win over Murray State.

Ranking Kevin Durant's preferred destinations: West division foes offer biggest rewards

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant's potential destinations for the 2025-26 season came into focus on Saturday following a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.

Adam Scott in excellent shape to join U.S. Open record books

No golfer has better withstood the conditions at this year's U.S. Open at Oakmont than Adam Scott. Because of that, the PGA Tour veteran has put himself in an excellent position to secure his second major and first since the 2013 Masters.

Rory McIlroy talks post-Masters malaise after subpar U.S. Open third round

Rory McIlroy's biggest win might have also been his greatest curse.