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

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.

Watch: Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones announces 2024 plans 

Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones unofficially announced that he would be returning to the back-to-back defending champs for the 2024-25 NFL season.

Blowout loss to Texas Tech a concerning sign for Kansas in the NCAA Tournament

The result revealed a glaring issue for Kansas, one that could sink its NCAA Tournament hopes.

Watch: Knicks lose on controversial foul with less than a second remaining

An excellent Knicks-Rockets game on Monday night was undone by a controversial foul call on Knicks guard Jalen Brunson with 0.3 seconds remaining.

Watch: Victor Wembanyama records first 10-block game against Raptors

Victor Wembanyama has lived up to the hype during his rookie season. 

Former No. 2 overall pick cut by Steelers after two seasons

The Steelers elected to part ways with Mitch Trubisky on Monday.

The best and worst of Super Bowl LVIII

A dynasty is born. Super Bowl LVIII lived up to the hype as the Chiefs won an overtime thriller, 25-22, in the longest game in Super Bowl history. Here is the best and worst of the big game, which gave Kansas City its third Super Bowl victory in five seasons.

Watch: 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffers Achilles injury running onto field

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a bizarre injury during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII.

Watch: Christian McCaffrey fumble ends promising 49ers opening drive

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey fumbled to kill the momentum of his team's opening drive in Super Bowl LVIII

Dominant win keeps UConn hot at the right time

Associated Press No. 1 UConn played one of its best games of the season on Saturday against lowly Georgetown.

Is Arch Manning Horns Up or Horns Down? Uncle Eli addresses transfer portal buzz

Arch Manning is gearing up for his second season as Texas' backup QB, which has led some to suggest he could entertain entering the transfer portal.

Kalen DeBoer takes first hit as Alabama head coach with Ryan Grubb's departure

Kalen DeBoer took his first hit as Alabama head coach on Friday night when it was revealed offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who followed him to Tuscaloosa from Washington, accepted the Seahawks offensive coordinator opening.

Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII preview: Top players, matchups to watch

After a two-week build-up, Super Bowl LVIII is nearly here. Here's what to watch for.

Commanders add to underwhelming offseason with latest coaching staff hire

The Commanders continued their underwhelming offseason on Thursday by adding a former offensive coordinator to their coaching staff.

Nick Saban headed to 'College Gameday' as college football analyst

Nick Saban could be coming to your city in 2024. The retired, seven-time national championship-winning coach will be part of the 2024 college football season, it was announced on Wednesday.

Baker Mayfield on Mike Evans influencing free-agency decision: 'Hell yeah'

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off his best NFL season, and wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the main reasons why.

Top tight end prospect names surprising team as desired destination

Brock Bowers, the best college football tight end for the past two seasons, gave a surprising answer when asked what team he hoped to be drafted by.

Alabama the biggest winner of a quiet National Signing Day

National Signing Day arrived without much fanfare on Wednesday, but that won't stop a few teams from celebrating. Among those programs, Alabama will likely cheer the loudest.

Five NFL players who should get the call to the Hall of Fame on Thursday

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 will be announced on Thursday night during the "NFL Honors" ceremony. Here are five players who should get the call.