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

High-flying No. 3 LSU show national title potential vs. No. 6 Florida State

Two years removed from winning the first women's basketball national title in program history, the Tigers proved why they're a legitimate contender to secure a second.

Alabama-Maryland produces 2025's best March Madness game

Alabama and Maryland delivered the best game of this year's March Madness on Monday with a double-overtime thriller.

Anthony Davis' return comes too late for nightmarish Mavericks season

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis’ return Monday from an 18-game absence gives Dallas one last chance to salvage something from a nightmare 2024-25 season. 

Arkansas HC John Calipari adds to legend with Sweet 16 run

The legend of John Calipari grew on Saturday. 

Men's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 winners, losers: Big 12 owns the day

Half of this year's Sweet 16 is set. Saturday was another day of mostly chalk in the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament, with one notable exception.

Top pitching prospect could raise Tigers' high ceiling

As the Tigers build on last year's run to the American League Divisional Series, unheralded pitching prospect Jackson Jobe could play a pivotal role.

Mid-majors take another hit with 12-seed McNeese blowout loss

The 2025 men's NCAA Tournament has been a major bummer for college basketball's mid-majors.

Pirates ace Paul Skenes primed for 2025 season after latest dominant spring training start

Pirates ace Paul Skenes is ready for the start of the regular season. 

Houston-Gonzaga set for collision course after dominant first-round wins

Midwest Region No. 1 seed Houston and No. 8 seed Gonzaga looked like potential Final Four teams in its first-round romps on Thursday, but only one will make it to the NCAA Tournament's second weekend.

No. 9 seed Creighton looks like potential bracket-buster following Round of 64 win

No. 9 Creighton made a massive statement in Thursday's emphatic NCAA Tournament opening round 89-75 win over No. 8 Louisville.

Massive Arkansas injury update might seal Razorbacks' NCAA Tournament fate

Arkansas has an uphill climb to make it past the first round of March Madness.

Eye-popping Jalen Milroe 40-yard dash time could boost NFL Draft stock

Despite his limitations as a passer, Milroe showed at Alabama's pro day that he has game-changing speed.

Lions' proposed rule change would be a major benefit for NFL defenses

For years, the NFL has adopted rules primarily aimed at benefitting offenses. This offseason, the Lions have proposed an amendment that could level the playing field.

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy decision pushes Aaron Rodgers one step closer to retirement

For someone as purportedly enlightened as Rodgers, he should listen to what the universe is telling him.

Watch: Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani blasts first home run of season in Tokyo Series

On Wednesday, MLB's best player picked up where he left off during his 2024 MVP season.

Astros pitcher reaches significant milestone in return from multiyear injury absence

On Tuesday, Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. hit a significant milestone in his recovery from a two-year absence as he returned to the mound for the first time in 868 days.

Mel Kiper Jr.'s most recent mock draft could spur Saints draft debate

Could the Saints do something during the 2025 NFL Draft that they haven't done in generations?

Pistons show they have made incredible progress with blowout win vs. Pelicans

Detroit's been one of the league's best stories in 2024-25, and on Monday, it reminded the NBA how far it's come.

Alabama forward’s injury update a positive sign for team’s NCAA Tournament outlook

On Monday, Alabama received a dose of good news ahead of its 2025 NCAA Tournament run.

Watch: Chelsea Gray’s half-court three sets tone for Rose's Unrivaled title win

Rose guard Chelsea Gray set the tone for her team’s inaugural Unrivaled championship with a buzzer-beating half-court three off the front rim at the end of the third quarter.

West Virginia governor's NCAA Tournament complaints hold no water

Spare us the histrionics. It's a tired act we've seen before.

This could be No. 2 Houston's year to win men's NCAA Tournament

After years of falling short on the big stage, Houston has its best chance of winning the men's NCAA Tournament.

Auburn slumping at wrong time after SEC Tournament exit

Auburn has picked a bad time to play its worst basketball.