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

Travis Hunter is well worth what Jaguars gave up

The Jaguars had to part with significant resources to add Travis Hunter, but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will make it well worth it.

Report: LSU women's hoops on brink of scoring rare win over SEC rival

Despite winning two of the past three women's college basketball national titles, the recent head-to-head battle between LSU and South Carolina has been one-sided in favor of the Gamecocks.

NFL insider names team that's received significant trade interest ahead of NFL Draft first round

With quarterbacks not named Cam Ward expected to fall into the 20s, this team could have one of the most valuable picks in the first round.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis pours cold water on team drafting QB in first round

The Saints could go in any number of directions with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, but selecting a quarterback is appearing less likely a day before the first-round commences.

NFL Draft watch: Best bet in first round for each NFC team

After weeks of mock drafts and mind-numbing speculation, the NFL Draft is upon us. The first round is Thursday (8 p.m. ET), followed by rounds 2 and 3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and the final four rounds on Saturday (noon ET). 

Four reasons why Cam Ward to the Titans could go horribly wrong

With the 2025 NFL Draft's first round a little over 24 hours away, all signs point toward the Titans, who own the No. 1 overall pick, choosing Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Is that the best decision?

Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Alex Ovechkin adds to historic career with OT winner

The Stanley Cup playoffs heated up with four games on Monday, including two overtime thrillers. Here are our takeaways from an excellent night of playoff hockey:

Who else? Capitals' Alex Ovechkin breaks scoreless tie in Game 1 vs. Canadiens

Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin added to his historic 2024-25 season with the first goal of Washington's Stanley Cup playoffs run. 

Spencer Strider's IL stint continues Braves' miserable 2025 start

Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider can't catch a break. 

2025 NFL Draft Q&A: TV times, most picks, deepest position, more 

The 2025 NFL Draft is almost upon us. Before the football world gravitates toward Green Bay, here's what you should know heading into the league's premier offseason event.

Watch: Jets rally for comeback Game 1 win vs. Blues

The Jets rallied on Saturday to hand the Blues a crushing Game 1 loss in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Watch: Mitchell Robinson's slam dunk riles Knicks crowd in Game 1

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson began Game 1 of New York's Eastern Conference first-round series against the Pistons on the bench, but he got fans out of their seats with his second-quarter slam dunk.

Watch: Nationals' Dylan Crews has breakout performance vs. Rockies

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews had his breakout MLB game against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Watch: Clippers guard James Harden goes off for 15 points in first quarter against Nuggets

Clippers point guard James Harden hit a buzzer-beater step-back three to cap a monster first quarter in Game 1.

Damian Lillard can't return soon enough after Bucks' rough Game 1

The Bucks couldn't hang with the Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. 

Best Lee Corso moments: Live animals, F-bombs, Statue of Liberty and more

On Thursday, ESPN announced that Lee Corso, who for years has been the face of the network's "College GameDay," will retire following the Week 1 "GameDay" broadcast on Aug. 30, ending a legendary 38-year television career.

Three teams who could shake up first round of 2025 NFL Draft

It might take a trade to shake up the draft. Here are three teams that could add fireworks to the first round.

Dolphins GM's critical comments could signal 2025 NFL Draft first-round plans

On Tuesday, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier refused to mince words when discussing second-year cornerback Cam Smith.

NFL Draft watch: Ideal trade scenarios for NFC teams

With the NFL Draft approaching April 24-26 in Green Bay, some teams undoubtedly are contemplating trades. Ahead of the NFL's biggest week of the offseason, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the ideal trade scenario for every NFC team.

WR who burned Travis Hunter among NFL Draft prospects who could go earlier than expected

At this point in the NFL Draft cycle, you know the probable top picks, including Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

Travis Hunter puts foot down in position dispute

During the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, one of the biggest questions has been what position NFL teams will have Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter play in the pros.

Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava may have overplayed his hand in NIL dispute

Iamaleava was set to make $2.5 million at Tennessee before reportedly asking for a $1.5 million raise, which the Vols rebuffed, prompting his stunning spring exit.

Rockies make franchise history for all the wrong reasons

The Colorado Rockies made the wrong kind of history on Monday.