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

The five worst offseasons in college football: Why three of 2023's CFP finalists make the list

The college football offseason has quieted down after a whirlwind month since Michigan won the national title. Last week, we shared five teams who've had plenty to celebrate as eyes shift toward the 2024 season.

Watch: Dodgers offense explodes in first inning of first spring training game

The Dodgers spent the offseason building a juggernaut, and they quickly bulldozed through the Padres in the first inning on the opening day of spring training.

Commissioner Saban? Legendary coach not done impacting college football

For the better part of the past two decades, Saban was the face of college football. Just because he retired in January doesn't mean that's about to change.

What we want to see in EA Sports College Football 25

Per ESPN, name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal will be a part of the game's Dynasty and Road to Glory modes. The 12-team playoff will also be included, as will 2024's conference realignment. 

Floated 14-team College Football Playoff could have opposite effect than intended

The more the CFP committee tinkers with its format, the more it's taking away from the excitement of every weekend being its own playoff.

Watch: LSU stuns No. 17 Kentucky on buzzer-beater

LSU gave college basketball an early dose of madness in its upset win over Associated Press No. 17 Kentucky.

These teams could benefit from deep position classes in 2024 NFL Draft

Here are three positions that have a lot of prospects receiving buzz, plus the teams that will benefit most from the stacked classes.

Dennis Allen explains why he's optimistic about Saints offensive shift

One thing is already certain in New Orleans during the early stages of the 2024 NFL offseason. The Saints offense will look much different after head coach Dennis Allen overhauled the staff on that side of the ball.

Four QB options for Falcons in 2024: Justin Fields, trading up in draft and more

Here are four avenues Atlanta could go down as it tries to turn the quarterback position into a strength.

Revised CFP format another hit to mid-major programs

The College Football Playoff updated the format of the 12-team playoff on Tuesday, a move that will make the power conferences richer while leaving the mid-majors to hang out to dry.

Historic loss to Virginia Tech reveals Virginia's limits

Just when it looked like Virginia's basketball team hit its stride, the Cavaliers played their worst game of the season on Monday.

Watch: Wild brawl at handshake line caps Southland Conference basketball game

Texas A&M-Commerce and Incarnate Word have had seasons to forget, but on Monday, they made sure they'd be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Damian Lillard leaves notable player off of his dream starting five

Despite playing with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first half of the 2023-24 season, Bucks guard Damian Lillard isn't putting him in his starting lineup.

Watch: 'The big one' hits with eight laps to go at Daytona 500

Twenty-two cars were involved in a massive pile-up with eight laps remaining at Monday's Daytona 500 that occurred when William Byron's No. 24 Chevrolet clipped the back-right bumper of Brad Keselowki's No. 6 Ford. 

Watch: Chase Elliott wins first stage at Daytona 500

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott earned the first playoff points of the NASCAR season by winning the first stage of the Daytona 500.

Best and worst of All-Star Saturday: Curry-Ionescu shootout sizzles, dunk contest fizzles

As fun as the competition was, more importantly, the pair laid the foundation for an event that should become a fixture at future All-Star weekends.

Watch: Steph Curry out-shoots Sabrina Ionescu in competitive three-point contest

Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu broke new ground for what a three-point contest can look like.

Watch: Kings defenseman's first career goal completes L.A. comeback

With the win, the Kings have 62 points and hold the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Watch: Houston dunk causes technical delay

Houston senior forward J'Wan Roberts' emphatic dunk against Texas was the only respite for the Longhorns on Saturday. 

Alabama closes in on SEC record with blowout win over Texas A&M

 Another game, another 100-point performance for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Stakes raised for Steve Sarkisian at Texas after receiving massive contract extension

Sarkisian remains a feel-good story, but the stakes are higher for him after receiving a sizable raise and all of the perks that come with it.

Potential landing spots for the top five remaining MLB free agents

Spring training is upon us, but sluggers, aces and defensive stalwarts are still plenty available in free agency.

Blackhawks' Connor Bedard to make return just six weeks after breaking jaw

Blackhawks rookie phenom Connor Bedard is returning to the ice for the first time since he broke his jaw on Jan. 5. 

The top five offseasons in college football

With coaching changes and transfer portal arrivals and departures, this year's college football offseason was as wild as any in recent memory.  Here are five teams that have the most to celebrate with the frenzy in the rearview.