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

LSU alum helps Tigers set CWS Jello Shot Challenge record

LSU's 2023 trip to Omaha is already one for the record books.

Major champion pens open letter to PGA Tour commissioner demanding clarity

Tom Watson isn't alone in being in the dark on the details of the prospective PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger and penned an open letter to Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressing a wish for clarity from the game's top executives.

Carolina Panthers Hall of Shame: Worst breakup and more

After celebrating the Panthers by highlighting their players who someday could be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we flip the script to give you Carolina's Hall of Shame. 

Wyndham Clark makes history in unprecedented U.S. Open win

Wyndham Clark's previous best finish at the U.S. Open before winning the 2023 title was a tie for 75th at the 2021 PGA Championship, making his ascendance to majors champ unprecedented in golf history.

Scottie Scheffler's strong finish puts him within striking range for U.S. Open

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler needed a strong finish to get back into contention at the U.S. Open and did just that with an eagle and birdie on the final two holes on Saturday.

Troll Miss: Lane Kiffin gets 'Petty' when poking fun at Florida after flipping QB commit

Lane Kiffin flipped an impressive quarterback recruit from Florida to Ole Miss over the weekend and celebrated by trolling Gators fans with a screenshot

LACC breaks U.S. Open record with 81-yard, par-3 hole

The historic 2023 U.S. Open added to its lore on Saturday before the golfers even took the course. The par-3 15th hole at the North Course of the Los Angeles Country Club is the shortest in Majors history at 81 yards.  

Reporter shuts down Zion Williamson rumor

Williamson's health has prevented him from being as great as he should be, but he remains a generational talent.

LSU is off to huge lead at the College World Series before even taking field

The College World Series got off to a rousing start Friday with two great finishes. But in an arguably even more important competition off the field, LSU is blowing out the competition.

West Virginia basketball HC arrested and charged with DUI

A rough offseason for Bob Huggins took an uglier turn Friday evening when the West Virginia head coach was arrested and charged by Pittsburgh police with DUI.

Most notable cuts at the 2023 U.S. Open

The U.S. Open wasn't as friendly to golfers on Friday but scores were still low enough to set the cut line at a relatively low two-over-par heading into the weekend.

Rickie Fowler makes history with 10 birdies, opening round 62 at U.S. Open

Rickie Fowler put together a performance for the ages on Thursday with one of the greatest opening rounds in majors history.

Watch: Matthieu Pavon makes hole-in-one at U.S. Open

Pavon finished the round at 1-over-par but has already done something most (if not all) other golfers won't do this weekend.

Watch: Amateur golfer Michael Brennan produces first highlight of tournament on wild birdie attempt

Before the stars took to the course, amateur golfer Michael Brennan delivered a shot that will be hard to top this weekend on the Par 4 third hole.

Winners and losers of the SEC's 2024 schedule release

Breaking down the winners and losers of the SEC's 2024 schedule release.

Most intriguing pairings for the opening rounds of the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open begins on Thursday at the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club, a course several players will be playing for the first time.

SEC QB named one of the top 'sleepers' for 2024 NFL Draft

He could be the second consecutive Kentucky QB to receive significant draft buzz. This past season, Will Levis flirted with being a first-round pick before falling to the second round (33rd overall) and the Tennessee Titans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hall of Shame: Worst draft pick and more

After celebrating the Bucs by highlighting their players who someday could be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we flip the script to give you Tampa Bay's Hall of Shame.

Why a trade involving star Buffalo receiver isn't out of the picture

A Stefon Diggs trade seems unlikely, both from a tactical and financial perspective. But it isn't completely out of the picture. 

Nuggets, Golden Knights on opposite end of title-winning spectrum

In back-to-back nights, the Nuggets and Golden Knights won their first league championships, but took drastically different journeys to get there.

New Orleans Saints Hall of Shame: Worst breakup and more

After celebrating the Saints by highlighting their players who someday could be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we flip the script to give you New Orleans' Hall of Shame.

Which NBA franchise will be the next to win its first championship?

With the Nuggets champions at last, there are eight NBA franchises that have yet to win either an ABA or NBA title. Which franchise will follow Denver? 

Boot Scoot Boogie? Pelicans eyeing Scoot Henderson in NBA Draft

New Orleans could soon be doing the “Boot Scootin' Boogie” if a recent media report is correct. 

Why the PGA-LIV merger isn't a sure thing

Comments made by both sides both leading up to and following the merger appear likely to catch the attention of the Department of Justice.

LSU dominates Kentucky after seven-hour rain delay

A seven-hour rain delay was the only thing to slow down LSU in its Super Regional against Kentucky on Saturday.  The Tigers won 14-0, jumping out to an early lead on a Tre' Morgan first-inning home run.