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

Darryn Peterson shows pros, cons in battle of top 2026 NBA Draft prospects

It was a tale of two halves for star freshman Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson in Saturday's 90-82 win over the BYU Cougars.

Overlooked Texas A&M remains atop conference with blowout road win

The Texas A&M Aggies may be getting closer to receiving the national respect they deserve.

Senior Bowl takeaways: Top QB, risers ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

A week of Senior Bowl action wrapped on Saturday with the American and National teams facing off in a 17-9 American win.

Paul George's 76ers run hits another snag with failed drug test, suspension

Just as it looked like forward Paul George was gaining some momentum with the Philadelphia 76ers, he's back at square one. 

Vikings' GM decision increases doubts about J.J. McCarthy's future

Adofo-Mensah's firing raises fresh doubts over quarterback McCarthy's future.

NFL hiring grades: Ravens, Steelers find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum

An active NFL hiring cycle is nearing its end, with eight of the 10 head-coaching openings filled.

Hall of Shame: Bill Belichick exclusion an embarrassing, irreversible stain on PFHOF

Pro Football Hall of Fame voters sent a message with their ridiculous 2026 ballots, but it's probably not the one they intended. 

Broncos should already have plan after unexpected OC move

The Denver Broncos created an unexpected opening this hiring cycle on Tuesday when the organization fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. 

Why Joe Brady hire is an ominous sign for Bills' immediate future

The Buffalo Bills' idea of a big change is to remain in house.

No. 1 Arizona remains unbeaten following tough road test at No. 13 BYU

Associated Press No. 1 Arizona Wildcats remained perfect on Monday following a thriller in their toughest Big 12 road test of the season, an 86-83 win over No. 13 BYU Cougars (17-3, 5-2 in Big 12). 

Donovan Mitchell leads streaking Cavaliers over Magic with another big scoring performance

Donovan Mitchell put the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back in Monday's 114-98 win over the Orlando Magic.

10 intriguing players to know at the 2026 Senior Bowl

The 2026 Senior Bowl is this Saturday, Jan. 31. Below are 10 of the most intriguing players at this year's event.

AJ Dybantsa caps wild freshmen scoring spree with BYU record in win over Utah

On Saturday, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, the potential No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, was one of three freshmen to drop 40 points, joining Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler.

Keaton Wagler delivers historic performance in No. 11 Illinois road win at No. 4 Purdue

Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler had a game for the ages in Saturday's 88-82 win at No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers (17-3, 7-2 in Big Ten).

Five CFB teams under most pressure in 2026 following transfer portal signings

With things settling, here's a look at five teams that have positioned themselves nicely to make noise this fall. Anything less will be a disappointment.

Pittsburgh Steelers stumbling into uncharted territory with Mike McCarthy hire

Long the quintessential model of consistency, the hire marks a new, bleaker reality. Pittsburgh doesn't have a secret blueprint.

Is Rams QB Matthew Stafford the MVP? Picks for every major NFL award

On Thursday, the Associated Press revealed the finalists for league MVP and seven other awards. The winners will be announced at the NFL Honors, which will air on Feb. 5 (9 p.m. ET, NBC/NFL Network).

NFL fan base confidence rating: Where does your team stand?

As the NFL turns its attention toward coaching changes, roster shakeups, the Super Bowl and draft season, fan confidence varies wildly from city to city.

NFL coach openings tiers: How do available HC, OC and DC jobs stack up?

With candidates surveying their options, below is our tiers of the NFL's job market, from best to worst positions.

Five wild comments from Bills owner Terry Pegula's disastrous presser

On Wednesday, Pegula sat behind a podium and delivered one of the worst end-of-season NFL news conferences in recent memory.

Heated rivalries: Which hires for current NFL openings would create the most drama?

Recent NFL coaching hires have reminded us of an important fact: the league is better with rivalries.

Wise Mike McDaniel decision reemphasizes Browns' bleak state

NFL head-coaching jobs don't grow on trees. Despite the scarcity, McDaniel is already crossing the Cleveland Browns' opening off his list.