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

WNBA moves closer to labor strike following Players Association vote

The WNBA moved one step closer to its doomsday scenario on Thursday. 

Where Texas A&M-Miami CFP first-round game will be decided

Amid the pomp and circumstance of the hyped showdown, the game will likely be decided based on one simple fact.

Where No. 5 Oregon, No. 6 Ole Miss are weakest against upset-minded James Madison, Tulane in CFP first round

Few are giving College Football Playoff No. 20 Tulane Green Wave (11-2, 7-1 in American) or No. 24 James Madison Dukes (12-1, 8-0 in Sun Belt) much of a chance in their CFP first-round games.

NFL Big Five: Teams with biggest quarterback need this offseason

As the 2025 NFL regular season winds down, teams are beginning to assess their needs for the upcoming offseason. For the following five, quarterback needs to be at the top of the list.

Ty Simpson or five-star Keelon Russell? CFP result could force Alabama’s QB decision

More than the Alabama Crimson Tide's College Football Playoff hopes are on the line Friday (8 p.m. ET, ABC) when they play at the Oklahoma Sooners.

Dolphins have no easy fix for tenuous QB position

On Monday, the Dolphins were officially eliminated from playoff contention following an ugly 28-15 road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chiefs provide Patrick Mahomes update after ACL surgery

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is already working his way toward a comeback. 

'MNF' takeaways: Steelers blowout Dolphins to retake lead in AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially knocked the Miami Dolphins from playoff contention with a 28-15 blowout win to wrap Week 15.

Oklahoma offense among the biggest questions of CFP first round

The Oklahoma Sooners offense is one of the biggest unknowns entering the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Five worst Week 15 NFL performances: Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Jets defense highlight Sunday's lowlights

From Kansas City's rickety offensive line to a porous New York Jets defense, here are the five worst performances of Week 15.

No. 23 Nebraska's stunning upset of No. 13 Illinois shows Cornhuskers are Big Ten contenders

No. 23 Nebraska Cornhuskers notched a massive upset win on Saturday, inserting themselves into the conversation for Big Ten's best. 

Floated Michigan coaching target Kenny Dillingham responds to speculation

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham, one of the biggest names on potential Michigan wish lists, spoke with reporters and poured water on the idea of him leaving his hometown team to coach the 2023 national champions.

Christian McCaffrey's injury report addition latest in long line of troubling 49ers trend

Christian McCaffrey (back) has been added to the team's injury report and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

Trevon Brazile's big game vs. No. 16 Texas Tech elevates No. 17 Arkansas' ceiling

Trevon Brazile led No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks (8-2) to a second massive nonconference win over a ranked opponent.

A series of unfortunate events: How Michigan went from top of the world to rock bottom

Being a "Michigan Man" used to be badge of honor. But now? There are few greater red flags.

Caleb Williams, Bears face enormous test as Myles Garrett chases NFL history

Looking at their record, the Cleveland Browns (3-10) may not appear to be a big threat for the Chicago Bears (9-4) in Week 15. But they could be one of quarterback Caleb Williams toughest tests all season.

Troubling Lamar Jackson trend threatens Ravens in Week 15

Here we go again. The Baltimore Ravens are singing a familiar refrain in Week 15 after quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday's practice.

Buccaneers could have huge offensive weapon back for stretch run

In Week 7, he suffered a fractured collarbone, forcing him to miss the past six games.

Philip Rivers returns: What Colts practice-squad QB has been doing since his 2021 retirement

Philip Rivers, the longtime NFL quarterback who last played in 2020, is making a stunning comeback.  The QB-needy Indianapolis Colts (8-5), who have lost three consecutive games, brought him in for a workout on Monday that "went well," per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

NFL fan-base satisfaction index: How floundering Eagles, Giants and your team rate

This NFL season has delivered plenty of surprising turns, giving fan bases across the league a wide range of emotions.

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles discusses quick turnaround after loss to Saints

The Bucs have had dreadful slumps now in each of quarterback Baker Mayfield's three seasons.

'MNF' takeaways: Sloppy Jalen Hurts sends Eagles to third straight loss

Two playoff hopefuls met in an error-filled "Monday Night Football" showdown to cap Week 14.

Eagles' Jalen Hurts makes unwanted NFL history with wild 'MNF' blunder

One wild "Monday Night Football" play perfectly encapsulated the Philadelphia Eagles' season and put quarterback Jalen Hurts in the history books for the wrong reasons.

Heisman finalists announcement reveals needed change to selection process

Some outstanding players were left disappointed following the 2025 Heisman Trophy finalists reveal, but maybe they wouldn't be if the Heisman Trust made a sensible change.