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

AFC Championship Game sets viewership record

Sunday's clash between the Chiefs and Ravens was the most watched AFC Championship Game in history.

Texas suffers tough home overtime loss to No. 4 Houston

The Longhorns are down; unless they get things together soon, they might be out, too.

Eight players to watch at the Reese's Senior Bowl

Quarterbacks Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. are the biggest names in attendance, but they are by no means the only ones worth paying attention to this week in Mobile. Here are eight players we're most excited to see.

Watch: Ben Simmons almost tallies triple-double in Nets return

Ben Simmons looked better than he had in years when he returned to the Nets on Monday night.

No. 9 LSU drops second consecutive game in shocking loss to Mississippi State

Defending national champion LSU is having a rough week.

Watch: Hype video shows Shohei Ohtani working out at Dodger Stadium

On Monday, the Dodgers provided a teaser of what's to come later this year.

Don't take LeBron James and Stephen Curry for granted

LeBron James and Stephen Curry put on a show on Saturday night in the Lakers' 145-144 double-overtime win. 

Falcons score a massive win with new offensive coordinator hire

New Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris got his guy.

Lions make decision on Zach Ertz's status for NFC title game

A Super Bowl winner with the Eagles in 2017-18, Ertz had 27 receptions, 187 yards and a touchdown this season.

Latest Chiefs injury update puts spotlight on rookie WR in AFC Championship Game

For the second year in a row, the Chiefs need a rookie, this time wide receiver Rashee Rice, to step up if they're going to make the Super Bowl.

Watch: Aryna Sabalenka becomes first woman in over a decade to achieve Australian Open feat

For the first time since 2012-13, the Australian Open has a repeat women's singles champion.

Jets RB shares classy message after being snubbed for NFL award

Hall has an entire offseason to use the snub as motivation so that it doesn't happen again.

Falcons' coaching search could cause Saints to lose out on another OC candidate

The Saints need an offensive coordinator, but their division rival Falcons could help take a candidate off the board.

New Panthers HC has uphill climb to get most out of QB Bryce Young

Over the past two seasons, newly hired Panthers head coach Dave Canales has resurrected the careers of quarterbacks Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. Now comes his hardest task yet: reviving an entire franchise.

NFC title game prediction: Why Lions will advance to Super Bowl

Here's our breakdown for the NFC Championship Game.

Coco Gauff bounced in Aussie Open semis

The stage is set for the women's singles Australian Open title, and somewhat surprisingly, Coco Gauff won't be there.

Jim Harbaugh's arrival in Los Angeles could hinder Eagles' coordinator plans

One coordinator's 2024 destination is all of a sudden filled with intrigue.

Michigan isn't expected to have to look far for next head coach

With Jim Harbaugh returning to the NFL, Michigan needs a head coach. It won't have to look far to find one.

Watch: Lions center Frank Ragnow reveals classy gesture by fans

Ragnow persevered through multiple injuries against the Buccaneers in Detroit's 31-23 win to send the Lions to the NFC Championship Game for only the second time in franchise history.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz stunned in Australian Open quarterfinals

The run to the quarterfinals was the best finish for Alcaraz at the year's first Grand Slam.

Bucks fire head coach, have surprising candidate in mind for full-time job

Leading the Bucks to a 30-13 record wasn't good enough for head coach Adrian Griffin to keep his job.

Report: Stephen A. Smith could get Von Miller money on his next contract

If ESPN is going to keep its most valuable employee, the worldwide leader in sports will have to pay Stephen A. Smith like he just won the Super Bowl.

Five NFL players who could be traded this offseason

Change is inevitable in the NFL. For some organizations, it's a necessity. 

Commanders make surprising decision in Mel Kiper's first 2024 mock draft

ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his first mock draft for 2024 on Tuesday, and it didn't take long for him to deliver a surprise.