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

Mystics guard deserves serious Rookie of the Year consideration

Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers missed Saturday's win against the Washington Mystics, but fans still caught a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate.

Who will win the NL Central, MLB's most competitive division?

Midway through the 2025 MLB season, the NL Central has emerged as the most competitive in baseball. Five games separated the top four teams entering Saturday.

Latest Shohei Ohtani pitching performance should scare rest of MLB

Three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani's most recent return trip the mound should strike fear in the rest of MLB.

Novak Djokovic discusses potentially setting Grand Slam record at 2025 Wimbledon

Before Novak Djokovic kicks off his pursuit of a record 25th tennis Grand Slam on Tuesday at Wimbledon 2025, the 24-time major champion knows what type of opportunity lies in front of him.

John Gibson trade might not be solution to Red Wings' goalie woes

Despite their hopes to the contrary, the Detroit Red Wings' recent trade for Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson might not solve their goalie woes.

Astros remind league they're still contenders with Phillies sweep

With half the season down and one half to go, the Astros once again look like they could rule MLB by season's end.

NHL's CBA extension puts league in rare position

The NHL is in a position it doesn't find itself often. On Thursday, Daily Faceoff reported that the league and NHL Players Association having agreed to the framework of a four-year collective bargaining agreement extension that runs through 2029-30.

NFL hot takes: One NFC player on each team who must sizzle in 2025

Sizzle or fizzle? For dozens of NFL players, it's time for them to finally shine in the white-hot spotlight. Ahead of training camps opening in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify a player on each NFC team who must get hot this season.

Widely panned Pelicans' Derik Queen trade isn't as crazy as it seems

The Pelicans threw a curveball in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft when they traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 for Derik Queen.

Jacob Misiorowski's incredible MLB start raises Brewers' 2025 ceiling

Brewers rookie starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitched another gem on Wednesday, adding to his fantastic career start and raising the team's 2025 ceiling.

Rockets lock in key contributor to bolster 2025-26 championship outlook

He has been an indispensable veteran for the Rockets as they've risen from the West's cellar to title contender.

Fever make most of DeWanna Bonner situation by re-signing hardship exception standout

Bonner's unceremonious exit could have been another setback for an Indiana squad expected to contend for a WNBA title before the season began. 

NFL's top QB/WR duos: Did Aaron Rodgers-DK Metcalf crack top 10?

During a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed wide receiver DK Metcalf was a major draw in his decision to sign with the organization.

Kristaps Porzingis trade could be Hawks' last chance to build around Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks are potentially giving Trae Young one final hurrah.

DeWanna Bonner update leaves Caitlin Clark, Fever without valuable veteran leader

If the Indiana Fever are going to live up to expectations this season, they'll likely do so without one of their biggest 2025 free-agent acquisitions.

Former national champion coach fires shot at Texas, Arch Manning

Oddsmakers are ready to anoint the Texas Longhorns as the SEC's best team, but this former national championship-winning coach isn't having it.

March Madness star linked to retooling East squad

Walter Clayton Jr. might not have to travel far for his NBA home.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh keeps Aaron Judge at arm's length in HR race

Hours after New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge closed the gap in the AL's classic-in-the-making home run race, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh extended his lead once again.

Ronald Acuna Jr.'s MVP-form could salvage Braves season

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. remained in MVP form on Monday. That's excellent news for a Braves team in desperate need of something to celebrate.

Five teams most likely to continue NBA's run of parity in 2025-26

Here are five teams that could extend the league's run to eight champions in eight seasons in 2025-26.

Kade Anderson's masterpiece in MCWS shows why he should be No. 1 pick in MLB Draft

LSU Tigers starting pitcher Kade Anderson's gem against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in Saturday's 1-0 win has the Bayou Bengals one win away from the 2025 Men's College World Series title.

Rafael Devers continues to torment Red Sox with first Giants HR

San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is still tormenting the Boston Red Sox.

Chicago Sky will keep falling until they fix glaring weakness

The Chicago Sky are falling. And until they solve their biggest weakness, things aren't likely to get much better.

Rays a legitimate AL contender after second win over Tigers

After falling five games below .500 on May 19 (21-26), the Rays have been the best team in baseball, going 22-8 over their last 30 games.

Ranking post-merger NBA Game 7s from worst to best

The most recent NBA Finals Game 7 is the gold standard.