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

Victor Wembanyama's disappointing debut is nothing to worry about

Wembanyama struggling in a glorified exhibition game not even a month after he played for a league title is hardly something worth getting worked up over.

Warriors secure big free-agent pickup

The Golden State Warriors made a big move on Saturday that should be a big help to the team's quest for another NBA title.

Suns-Grizzlies trade could end up haunting Phoenix

Memphis and Phoenix agreed to a trade on Thursday that won't make any noise this season but could echo well into the future.

Star WR DeAndre Hopkins reveals how long he might play

DeAndre Hopkins' next team might be in for a long union with the star wide receiver.

Surprising player named Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year

Kansas, which has long been the Big 12's doormat, has a chance to make some noise this season thanks to QB Jalon Daniels, and the conference is taking notice.

Most overpaid, underpaid players in NFC South

Here are the most overpaid and underpaid players for each team in the NFC South.

Jerry Jones, 1990s Cowboys getting a Netflix docuseries

Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s has the potential to be great as long as the NFL doesn't get in the way.

Why Pelicans, Timberwolves are sleepers to land Damian Lillard

The Damian Lillard sweepstakes are underway and a couple of Western Conference foes might be able to offer the best packages for the star point guard.

Can one of the new Big 12 members compete for a conference title?

Which of the four newcomers has the best chance of winning the conference in its first year? Here's a look at where each team stands, in order from least to most likely to win the Big 12.

Why Philadelphia should go all-in for Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard's Stockholm syndrome finally wore off on Saturday when he requested a trade out of Portland. Unsurprisingly, the five-year, $160 million given to Jerami Grant didn't impress the seven-time All-Star much.

Shohei Ohtani's June was one of the greatest months in MLB history

If Shohei Ohtani isn't the greatest baseball player of all time, then he's certainly doing a fantastic impersonation. On Friday against Arizona, the former AL MVP—and perhaps future 2023 MVP—put a bow on one of the greatest offensive months in MLB history. 

Why surprising Pelicans move is the right one

By locking him up this offseason as opposed to waiting until later, it allows the Pels to get a great deal on a defensive cornerstone instead of him having another strong season and demanding more money on the market next year in free agency.

Report: NFL player suspended after placing $1,000 prop bet

The league has made it as clear as possible that players aren't allowed to bet on the NFL, yet somehow not everyone received the message.

J.J. Watt announces role at CBS this season

J.J. Watt is joining what looks like a crowded crew as he announced a multi-year deal to join "The NFL Today" on CBS this fall. 

Former tennis No. 1 unretires, announces return at 2023 U.S. Open

After retiring in 2020, Caroline Wozniacki will make her return to professional tennis at the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 28 in New York. 

Victor Wembanyama official height revealed by Spurs

Victor Wembanyama is already a very tall man. He's only getting taller.

Simone Biles to return to competition for first time since 2020 Summer Olympics

Her return at the U.S. Classic on Aug. 5 comes a year before the 2024 Summer Olympics, paving the way for Biles to make a trip to Paris next year to add to her illustrious career.

New Orleans Saints ceiling and floor for 2023

Here's our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Saints in 2023.

Can Brian Kelly become third second-year coach to win title at LSU?

LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson followed women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey's lead in leading the Tigers to a national title in his second year in charge. Kelly will have an opportunity to keep the streak going.

Atlanta Falcons ceiling and floor for 2023

The Falcons doubled down on their rush offense in the draft and are going all-in on Desmond Ridder at quarterback. Whether those decisions prove to be the right ones or not will help determine if Atlanta reaches its ceiling or hits the floor in 2023.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ceiling and floor for 2023

No Tom Brady spells big problems in Tampa Bay. The question surrounding the Bucs isn't whether the team suffers a decline but how steep their fall is. Ceiling: 7-10 No one should expect the Bucs to be any better this season than in 2022 when they went 8-9 with Tom Brady.

Carolina Panthers ceiling and floor for 2023

A franchise-record fifth consecutive losing season ushered in the next era of Panthers football. Head coach Frank Reich and QB Bryce Young are the fresh faces expected to bring Carolina out of its rut, which is certainly possible. 

LSU pitcher ties CWS record with 17 strikeouts in Game 1 win

It took longer than expected, but LSU made sure it didn't waste a historic outing from pitcher Ty Floyd on Saturday.

Potential MLBers to watch in Florida-LSU Men's College World Series Finals

Florida and LSU meet on college baseball's biggest stage for a best-of-three series beginning Saturday night, and several of the players featured this weekend will have a chance to play on a bigger stage in MLB. 

ESPN's 2024 NBA mock draft predicts landing spot for Bronny James

What next year's draft lacks in top-end talent, it more than makes up for with the intrigue of where Bronny James lands and its effect on where his father finishes his career.