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

South Carolina great declares for 2023 WNBA Draft

The projected No. 1 overall pick finishes her college career with a 129-9 record and averages of 14.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

Basketball Hall of Fame class one for the ages

These names add to an illustrious list that puts the 2023 class in a conversation among the best Hall of Fame classes in basketball history.

Women's NCAA Tournament final already different than any from the past decade

As great as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been during the NCAA Tournament, Iowa and LSU are playing for a national title makes this year's final different from others in the recent past.

In-season tournament coming to NBA with new CBA

The much-talked-about hypothetical in-season NBA tournament will soon become a reality. Coaches and players can earn prize money by winning the tournament.

Florida Atlantic scores huge win before Final Four

The Owls are still dancing, and May's announcement means they will be long after this season ends.

Final Four ticket prices laughably low due to group of semifinalists

Tickets to this year's Final Four are almost unbelievably cheap due to what is viewed as a modest group of semifinalists.

Classic NFL jerseys are making a comeback in 2023

Multiple NFL teams are bringing back classic uniforms this season for the first time in years — a welcome addition to the "No Fun League."

Report: LSU's Angel Reese has most NIL deals among all college players

Angel Reese helped lead LSU to its first Final Four since 2008 and she's also leading the way off the court. 

Lions add receiver who was key to their last playoff run

The Lions were already a well-oiled machine on offense prior to his signing, and he gives the team another option for QB Jared Goff.

Three biggest concerns for Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the draft

The early stage of free agency wasn't as bad as it could have been for Tampa Bay. Sure, Tom Brady's retirement is one of the most significant offseason subtractions by any team, but the Bucs were able to retain key defenders including corner Jamel Dean and linebacker Lavonte David.

Three biggest concerns for New Orleans Saints before the draft

New Orleans answered this offseason's most pressing need by signing free agent QB Derek Carr, but there are other areas of concern on the roster to address as it attempts to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Stetson Bennett gets drafted to the NFC South in the seventh round of latest ESPN mock draft

Despite a phenomenal college career, Bennett's designation as a likely seventh-round pick isn't polarizing. A former walk-on at Georgia, Bennett has never been highly valued by scouts.

Titans GM gives update on Derrick Henry trade rumors

Derrick Henry is likely staying in Tennessee after general manager Ran Carthon shut down rumors that the team was shopping Henry in trade talks.

NBA legend praises Iowa's Caitlin Clark with bold claim

He offered huge praise of the Iowa guard on Tuesday, declaring her the second best player in the history of women's college basketball.

New QB emerges as surprising top-five pick in former GM's mock draft

It's hard to envision a 25-year-old rookie coming off an ACL tear having many suitors in the first round. Hecould be a steal in the second round. Using a top-five pick on him is a reach.

Are the Vikings noncommittal on Kirk Cousins past 2023?

Minnesota escaped the quarterback carousel this offseason but head coach Kevin O'Connell laid the foundation for the team leaping into the market next year.

Ron Rivera sparks idea Commanders could add a QB in the draft

Ron Rivera's remarks at the annual league meeting on the state of the Commanders QB position suggest the battle might not only be between Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell.

Reporter rips NFL for suggested Thursday night flex

The NFL's reported interested in introducing flux scheduling to its Thursday night games was described by NFL reporter Peter King as "a punch in the face to the fans" in his weekly column for Pro Football Talk. He isn't wrong.

Watch: Texas forward makes halfcourt buzzer-beater to wrap blistering first half

Watch: Texas Longhorns forward Timmy Allen came through with a half-court buzzer beater during Friday's Sweet 16 matchup with Xavier.

Angel Reese's unprecedented run launches LSU to Elite Eight

Reese has already done things no one else has at LSU, and her most recent run is unlike anything we've seen in two decades among any basketball player. Her season unlike any other means the Tigers can still go places they've never been, either.

Analyst calls 49ers QB an 'under-the-radar' trade candidate

The San Francisco 49ers' QB room might get less crowded in the coming weeks, according to one NFL analyst.

Three biggest concerns for Atlanta Falcons before the draft

Enough weaknesses remain on this year's roster for the team to worry about as it finalizes a plan for the NFL Draft. Here are three areas of concern.

Three biggest concerns for Carolina Panthers before the draft

While Panthers faithful have many reasons for optimism heading into the 2023 season, the team also must answer key questions in the lead-up to the April 27-29 NFL Draft.

Watch: Julian Strawther hits shot from logo to send Gonzaga to Elite Eight

The Bulldogs won a thriller, 78-76, and were led by a phenomenal performance from senior forward Drew Timme. But it was the hometown product Strawther who ended UCLA's season with his unbelievable 3-pointer.

Lions have a lot to prove before taking C.J. Gardner-Johnson's comments seriously

Newly-signed Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson turned heads earlier this week when he suggested his new team has more talent than his old one, the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.