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

How tall is he? 10 things to know about Victor Wembanyama

After winning the NBA Draft lottery Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs earned the right to select French sensation Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the draft on June 22.

EA Sports 'College Football' series clears huge NIL hurdle

When "EA Sports College Football" returns next year, gamers might not have to play with "TEX QB #16." 

The Pistons are the biggest losers of the NBA Draft lottery

Despite Detroit’s worst effort, it wasn’t enough to get the first pick in the NBA Draft lottery. Not even close.  The Pistons received the No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft during a season they went 17-65, the worst record in the NBA.

Barclays Center to screen Jeremy Lin documentary after MSG refuses

"Linsanity" took over Madison Square Garden a decade ago but Knicks fans will have to travel to Barclays Center, home of the crosstown rival Nets if they want to see a special screening of a documentary on Jeremy Lin's breakout 2012-13 season.

LSU QB receiving buzz for 2024 NFL Draft

LSU won't sneak up on anyone in the SEC this season.  Beyond that, QB Jayden Daniels is already getting noticed by scouts, with one going as far as saying he could be a future first-round pick.

76ers fire Doc Rivers two days after conference semifinals loss

His dismissal is the third firing of a coach that led his team to the postseason in 2023. The Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer on May 4, and the Suns fired Monty Williams on May 13.

Ndamukong Suh discusses free-agency plans

Ndamukong Suh's free agency decision could have major implications for the 2023 season. But don't expect it to come anytime soon.

Players to watch in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Despite all the talk of parity hitting the NBA this postseason, the Heat and Celtics are meeting in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four seasons. Here's how you can profit on this storied matchup.

WVU donor directs funds away from athletic department following Bob Huggins's radio comments

Bob Huggins received a slap on the wrist from West Virginia for his controversial comments on a Cincinnati radio show last week. Mountaineers donor Jonathan Adkins took notice.

Four NFC South players who will make the biggest leap in 2023

The Falcons, Panthers and Saints will try to supplant the Buccaneers atop the NFC South this season. Here are four players -- one for each team -- who should make big leaps and play key roles.

Another troubling Ja Morant video surfaces

When Ja Morant trends on Twitter, it usually isn't good. On Sunday morning, he was trending yet again for all the wrong reasons.

Potential flex schedule games for the 2023 NFL season

Trust us, NFL. Fans would much rather watch Tua Tagovailoa and Lamar Jackson jockeying for playoff positioning instead of Jordan Love and Kirk Cousins battling for a better spot in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cowboys DC clarifies LB Micah Parsons' claim about position change

Micah Parsons is ready to switch positions for the Cowboys, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has other plans.

Key players to watch in the NBA Western Conference Finals

LeBron James and Nikola Jokic headline the Western Conference Finals, but the casts rounding out the ensembles for the Lakers and Nuggets can provide the opportunity for you to cash in on this series.

Eagles QB receives Master's Degree from the University of Oklahoma

A jack of all trades on the football field, Jalen Hurts is officially a master of one off of it. Dr. David Surratt, the Dean at the University of Oklahoma,

Tom Brady linked to the Las Vegas Raiders ownership

Tom Brady owned the Raiders as a player, so it makes sense he'd finally want some equity.  

2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule analysis

Analyzing the 2023-24 schedule of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2023 Carolina Panthers schedule analysis

Analyzing the 2023-24 schedule of the Carolina Panthers.

2023 New Orleans Saints schedule analysis

Per NFL Research, Saints opponents had a 122-164-3 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the second-easiest in the league.

2023 Atlanta Falcons schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Falcons schedule. Per NFL Research, Falcons opponents had a 119-167-3 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the easiest in the NFL.

Rare Super Bowl rematch set for 'Monday Night Football'

ESPN has secured one of the biggest fish on the NFL schedule. The Super Bowl LVII rematch is headed to "Monday Night Football."

Aaron Rodgers, Jets get early test in first 'Monday Night Football' game

Aaron Rodgers will get a crash course in the AFC East in Week 1 as the Jets host the Buffalo Bills in the first "Monday Night Football" game of the season.

NFL's Thursday night season opener a QB rematch of greatest regular-season game

Five years after Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes put on a show at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the two are set to face each other for the second time when the Lions travel to Kansas City for the Thursday night season opener.

Ja Morant, Celtics stars among those most impacted by All-NBA announcement

For a handful of NBA players, the All-NBA Teams announcement had a significant financial impact.

Tyreek Hill's 2023 wish will have to wait

Tyreek Hill's wish to play in Kansas City in 2023 will be a dream deferred. The NFL made sure of that when it scheduled the Dolphins' road game against the Chiefs in Germany.