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

Ultimate NFL Scouting Combine Q&A: Schedule, QB3, Ohio State's best ... and a left-footed kicker?

The NFL Scouting Combine — also known as the "Underwear Olympics" — has begun with medical evaluations for players and more. But on-field workouts will not start until Thursday.

Recent GM comments show Falcons have no leverage in Kirk Cousins saga

If the Falcons are playing hardball, it's not working. And if they think keeping quarterback Kirk Cousins is a sound idea, they might be beyond saving.

No. 15 Michigan-Nebraska was the most horrific CBB game this season

Burn the tape. On Monday, Associated Press No. 15 Michigan (21-6, 13-3 in Big Ten) defeated Nebraska (17-11, 7-10 in Big Ten) in one of the ugliest games in recent Big Ten history.

Angel Reese set for massive sophomore WNBA season after another Unrivaled gem

Rose forward Angel Reese's monster game in Monday's win against the Phantom could be a sign of things to come.

Falcons may have wasted 2025 draft pick following latest report

The Falcons might have thrown away a valuable 2025 draft pick.

Packers' pathetic 'tush push' ban proposal has nothing to stand on

If you can't beat it, ban it. That's the defeatist attitude the Packers took when proposing that the NFL forbid teams from running the "tush push," the short-yardage QB-keeper that the Eagles have turned into the league's most un-guardable plays.

Another blowout loss shows Knicks need changes to be legitimate NBA title contenders

After going all-in to compete for an NBA title this offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, being unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season would be a monumental failure.

Sensational Luka Doncic could mean sky's the limit for Lakers

A season ago, Luka Doncic put a team on his back and led them to the NBA Finals. Who's to say he can't do it again this year?

Insider provides concerning update on Spurs HC Gregg Popovich's future

Legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich might have coached his last game.

No. 23 Kansas looks like itself in blowout win over Oklahoma State

When Kansas plays like it did against Oklahoma State, it can beat any team in the country.

The case for and against the Rams parting with QB Matthew Stafford

The idea of the Rams actually trading quarterback Matthew Stafford is absurd. That hasn't stopped Los Angeles from considering it.

Hair-raising! Top five beards for Yankees in 2025

Ditch the razors and shaving cream, Yankees.  On Friday, the Yankees scrapped their longstanding policy against facial hair.

Steve Sarkisian's spring game announcement means fans must wait for beginning of the Arch Manning era

Manning, the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is slated to take over as the Texas starting quarterback after backing up Quinn Ewers from 2023-24.

Falcons offseason checklist: Is Kirk Cousins worth keeping?

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Atlanta Falcons should make in the coming months.

Saints offseason checklist: Should New Orleans jettison key player?

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Saints should make in the coming months.

Chris Godwin's amended contract increases chances he stays with Bucs

One potentially significant free-agent wide receiver might be off the board weeks before free agency begins.

Games the NFL should feature in its 2025 International Series

On Wednesday, the NFL finalized the home teams for its 2025 International Series.

Historic loss by No. 23 Kansas a troubling omen for team's March prospects

This blowout loss was only one game, but it could represent so much more.

Kellen Moore's first hirings a positive sign for Saints' future

The organization is currently in a four-year playoff drought and coming off its worst season in two decades.

Under-the-radar 2025 NFL Scouting Combine attendees you need to know

These five under-the-radar prospects have flashed promise on tape, and they could be some of the biggest stars next week in Indianapolis.

Lions OC has big plans for QB Jared Goff in 2025

If the Lions finally get over their Super Bowl hump in 2025, it will be because of quarterback Jared Goff.

Blowout Duke win illustrates how low ACC has fallen

Is Duke this good, or is the ACC that bad?

Bengals' offseason plan makes 2025 NFL Draft even more important

The Bengals' offseason plans are coming into focus, and the 2025 NFL Draft will be a significant part of it. 

Caitlin Clark's agent speaks on WNBA’s biggest problem ahead of CBA deadline

Recent comments from Fever guard Caitlin Clark's agent crystallized the most pressing issue for the WNBA as it braces for a potential work stoppage following the 2025 season.