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

Five most compelling players remaining in women's NCAA Tournament

The women's NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 tips off this weekend with no shortage of star power.

NCAA working to make sensible change to betting rules

The NCAA is hoping to put a stop to betting on player props.

Patriots wait until fourth round to draft QB in new ESPN mock draft

The Patriots draft their potential quarterback of the future in the 2024 NFL Draft 100 spots later than fans probably are expecting in draft analyst Matt Miller's most recent mock draft for ESPN.

Upset alert: How men's No. 1 seeds could lose in Sweet 16

What a difference a year makes. One season after the men's NCAA Tournament made history with no No. 1 seed advancing to the Elite Eight, all four No. 1s are a win away from advancing to the tournament's quarterfinal round.

Star DE Princely Umanmielen shares major difference between Ole Miss and Florida

It didn't take defensive end Princely Umanmielen long to realize there was a big difference between playing at Ole Miss and Florida.

Ranking which division should be featured on in-season 'Hard Knocks,' from best to worst

The in-season edition of the NFL's "Hard Knocks" HBO series just got crowded.

Huge kickoff rule change expected to increase special teams production

The NFL approved a significant rule change for special teams on Tuesday that should breathe fresh life into a decaying play.

Ugly loss to Spurs a troubling sign for Suns in closing regular-season stretch

The Suns hit a roadblock in their journey to the playoffs on Monday. Two days after blowing out the Spurs 131-106, Phoenix lost 104-102 in its second consecutive game in San Antonio. 

A healthy Paige Bueckers means UConn is a legit title contender

By leading UConn to its record-extending 30th consecutive Sweet 16 with 32 points in Monday's 72-64 win over Syracuse, guard Paige Bueckers announced the Huskies have what it takes to win a national title.

NFL attempts to alter its DNA with hip-drop tackle ban

So long to the NFL you once knew.

Shohei Ohtani's statement on former translator's betting scandal raises as many questions as it answers

On Monday, Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani addressed the media for the first time since his former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired. We have just as many questions now as we had before.

Saturday's NCAA men's tournament takeaways: Gonzaga is peaking at right time, NBA Draft prospect's stock rises

Gonzaga is doing Gonzaga things again. This and other takeaways from Saturday's games in the men's NCAA Tournament.

Saturday's NCAA women's tournament takeaways: Stars shine bright on Day 2 of first round

Saturday's first round of the NCAA women's tournament featured stars galore. From Iowa's Caitlin Clark to Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair, to stellar freshmen JuJu Watkins (USC) and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), some of the very best talent in the sport took to the court.

Arizona reaches second Sweet 16 under HC Tommy Lloyd with win over Dayton

The Arizona Wildcats are living the sweet life.

Watch: Nets' Mikal Bridges drains full-court shot to beat halftime buzzer vs. Knicks

Nets forward Mikal Bridges drained a three against the Knicks on Saturday afternoon that spanned the Brooklyn and Manhattan boroughs, ending an entertaining first half.

What the L'Jarius Sneed trade means for Titans and Chiefs

Undoubtedly an underwhelming return for one of Kansas City's most impactful defenders, this is what the trade means for both teams.

Jimmy Butler doubles down on Pelicans criticism following blowout loss

The Pelicans let their game do the talking in a 111-88 blowout win over the Heat on Friday night. Afterward, Heat forward Jimmy Butler had a difficult time accepting defeat.

Jermaine Couisnard torches former team to send Oregon to round of 32

Oregon guard Jermaine Couisnard waited five seasons to make his NCAA Tournament debut. On Thursday, he made up for lost time with a game for the Oregon record books against his former team, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Who's challenging South Carolina in the women's NCAA Tournament?

A talented field behind South Carolina is nipping at its heels. Here are four teams with the best chance of pulling off a March (or April) stunner.

Six players not named Caitlin Clark to watch in the 2024 women's NCAA Tournament

The women's NCAA Tournament's Round of 64 tips off on Friday, and the game has arguably never been stronger. While Iowa's Caitlin Clark is rightfully the headliner, she's not the only player deserving your attention.

NFLPA vehemently opposes proposed rule change

The NFL Players Association is tackling a proposed rule change before it's approved.

Three hottest seats on Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Here are the three hottest seats on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Three hottest seats on the New Orleans Saints

The Saints missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2023. That should make more than a few people's seats uncomfortable within the organization, but here are three who are feeling it the most.

Three hottest seats on the Carolina Panthers

No one is safe in Carolina. Owner David Tepper has gone through several quarterbacks and coaches since purchasing the team six years ago, all with no success.

Closing stretch will determine if Pelicans are NBA title contenders

Few teams are playing as well as the Pelicans since the All-Star break. Their upcoming schedule will determine how seriously we should take them in the playoffs.