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

Mystics get one step closer to Paige Bueckers sweepstakes with latest blowout loss

Despite the new depths, the Mystics have reason to celebrate. With every loss, they get one step closer to drafting UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

Women's College World Series finals mark an end of an era

The WCWS finals start Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and Oklahoma plays longtime rival Texas in the teams' final head-to-head meeting as Big 12 members.

Zach Edey lands with rising Western Conference contender in recent mock draft

After playing for a national title in April, two-time men's college basketball player of the year Zach Edey might quickly contend for an NBA title, according to where he lands in a recent mock draft.

Top non-Caitlin Clark storylines of the 2024 WNBA season so far

Here are five non-Caitlin Clark WNBA storylines that deserve your attention.

Most overrated, underrated CFB teams in ESPN's 2024 FPI rankings

With 82 days until the start of the 2024 college football regular season, ESPN revealed the first update in its computer-based Football Power Index rankings, taking into account the offseason's transfer portal moves.

Six role players who could decide the 2024 NBA Finals

Celtics forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and Mavericks guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are the undeniable headliners, but the series' role players could prove just as substantial a factor in determining which team hoists another Larry O'Brien Trophy. 

Watch: Shuttered college's baseball team's magical run ends on walk-off HR

The door officially closed on Birmingham-Southern College on Sunday.

A look at the three Americans remaining at the 2024 French Open

Entering the second week of the French Open, only three Americans remain in the singles competitions. But does anyone have a chance of winning the second grand slam on the tennis calendar?

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might very quietly be building toward a very strong season.

An optimist's guide to the 2024 New Orleans Saints

Here are three reasons the Saints should be optimistic about returning to the playoffs.

Takeaways from Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's first WNBA showdown

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese renewed their rivalry on Saturday in the first WNBA meeting between the two former college adversaries.

Fever announce remarkable attendance milestone in fifth 2024 home game

It's no secret the impact Caitlin Clark's had on the Indiana Fever.

Watch: Caitlin Clark strikes first in WNBA matchup against Angel Reese

Fever guard Caitlin Clark started hot in her hyped first WNBA game with college rival Angel Reese.

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Carolina Panthers

Coming off a 2-15 season, it might be hard for the Panthers to stay positive. But we're here to help.

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Atlanta Falcons

Here are three reasons why Atlanta should like its chances in 2024.

Watch: Twins DH Ryan Jeffers snaps home run drought with two in consecutive at-bats

Twins designated hitter Ryan Jeffers broke out of a home run slump in a major way on Thursday.

Watch: Brewers outfielder turns on the jets to give team early lead against Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick turned it up on the bases during Thursday's series finale against the Chicago Cubs and old friend Craig Counsell.

Another masterpiece by Paul Skenes caps remarkable calendar year for rookie phenom

Pirates rookie starting pitcher Paul Skenes had another excellent outing on Wednesday, capping an incredible calendar year for the young star.

'Best' moments of Angel Hernandez's infamous MLB career

While his decision doesn't fix all of the world's problems, it's a start. Let's honor Hernandez's error-filled career.

Watch: Stars storm back with three-goal flurry to take lead over Oilers

The Stars shocked the Oilers with three goals in 183 seconds to take a 3-2 lead in Game 3.

Watch: Connor McDavid's goal gives Edmonton early advantage in Game 3

Oilers center Connor McDavid helped give Edmonton an early 2-0 lead in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Stars.

Shohei Ohtani shares major update on his pitching rehab

Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani remains on track to return to the mound in 2025 following an update he gave reporters on Monday.

Three stars from Saturday's WNBA games

Which players stood out during the Saturday's WNBA slate?

Three stars from Saturday's NBA playoffs

The Boston Celtics reeled the Indiana Pacers in from down 18 points to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. How did they do it and who led the way?

Watch: Sun forward Alyssa Thomas ejected after hard foul on Sky's Angel Reese

Last year's WNBA MVP runner-up had a near-WWE moment while taking down rookie star Angel Reese on a rebound.