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

Watch: LSU's Cam Carter goes on incredible run to upset Oklahoma

LSU guard Cam Carter produced the highlight of the Tigers' season with an unreal seven points during a 12-second sequence in a come-from-behind 82-79 road win at Oklahoma.

Watch: UConn collapses twice in stunning loss at Seton Hall

No one ever thought it would be easy for UConn to three-peat as NCAA Tournament champions. But on Saturday, the Huskies revealed how challenging it will be with two late collapses in a 69-68 overtime loss at Seton Hall.

No. 1 Auburn shows why it's top two and not two with win over Alabama

Not only did Auburn earn bragging rights in its win in the first game between SEC teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the Associated Press poll, it also showed why it might be too good for the projected NCAA Tournament field to catch.

Statement Saturday: What notable CBB results say about NCAA Tournament contenders

Here is what some of the year's top men's college basketball contenders told us this weekend.

Watch: OT goal keeps Finland alive in 4 Nations Face-Off

Finland responded to its opening-game drubbing against the USA with an overtime win against Sweden in both country's second game in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

March Madness bracket preview sets Auburn, Alabama on NCAA Tournament collision course

With the programs well-positioned to earn two of the four top seeds, Saturday's unprecedented showdown could be a teaser of a much bigger game between the two later this season.

Kentucky HC Mark Pope ribs ESPN analyst for nonsensical take

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had some fun at ESPN college basketball play-by-play analyst Karl Ravech's expense on Thursday.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's plea makes star CFB running back even more logical draft choice

Sometimes, the easy choice is also the right one. The 2025 NFL Draft is such an occasion for the Cowboys.

Ohio State fumbles decision on new defensive coordinator

After climbing to the top of the college football mountain, Ohio State made it exponentially more challenging to do it again in 2025 with a confounding coaching hire.

Matthew Stafford 2025 destinations: Could Rams really move on from Super Bowl-winning QB?

We made it two days before our first wild rumor of the 2025 NFL offseason.

Five NBA playoff races to watch in the season's second half

As the NBA enters All-Star Weekend, there isn't much drama at the top of the Eastern and Western Conference standings.

This MAC football program is becoming an unexpected NFL hotbed

As the NFL turns its attention to the pre-draft process, an unlikely college football program might be on the verge of producing a breakout defensive star for the second year in a row.

Mavericks becoming NBA's biggest joke after ejecting fans critical of GM Nico Harrison

It's too bad Mavericks fans are in such a foul mood. They're missing out on their team becoming the NBA's biggest joke.

Dirk Nowitzki decision a painful reminder of how poorly Mavericks botched Luka Doncic trade

As heartbreaking as the stunning Luka Doncic trade has been for Mavericks fans, it somehow grew even more painful on Monday.

Historic Super Bowl LIX ratings show nothing is stopping the NFL

Not even Chiefs fatigue or an Eagles blowout could stop the NFL's momentum.

Apparent end to Timberwolves ownership saga leaves unanswered questions

The Timberwolves ownership saga between Glen Taylor and a group led by former MLBer Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore has reached an apparent end. However, questions linger.

Kellen Moore's first moves are most important to future Saints success

The Saints have their next head coach, and Kellen Moore's success or failure will hinge on his first moves in his new post.

Best, worst of Super Bowl LIX: Eagles D-line dominant in blowout

The Eagles are bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Philadelphia after their 40-22 rout of the Chiefs. Here is the best and worst from the on-field action at Super Bowl LIX: Philadelphia's defensive front dominated.

Bugging out: Super Bowl LIX viewers blast Fox's scorebug reveal

Finally, something we can all agree on. The scorebug Fox Sports debuted for Super Bowl LIX stinks.

NFL offseason Q&A: Key dates, notable free agents, schedule release info

Super Bowl LIX and the 2024 season are in the books, so it's time to turn the page to the 2025 offseason. 

Men's NCAA Tournament bubble teams trending up, down: UNC, Vanderbilt and more

The men's college basketball regular season ends in one month on Sunday, March 9. Time is ticking for teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Here are three trending up and three trending down following Saturday's action.

Watch: Anthony Davis makes immediate impact in Mavericks debut

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis made an incredible first impression on fans still reeling from last week's stunning Luka Doncic trade.

Watch: Lightning, Red Wings combine for six goals in wild first period

The Lightning and Red Wings were involved in a scoring barrage in the first period of their Saturday matinee.

Ranking the 2025 NFL offensive coordinator hires: Why Cowboys, Seahawks earn high marks

With 11 of the 12 spots filled, here's our ranking of 2025's offensive coordinator hires.