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

CFB Week 10 winners, losers: November opens with big showdowns

November began with a bang, as top 10 upsets and tight top 25 showdowns defined the day of college football action. Here are Week 10's winners and losers.

November misery continues for No. 10 Miami under Mario Cristobal with upset loss at SMU

It often isn't how a team starts but how it finishes in college football that's most important. And once again, during the Mario Cristobal era, the Miami Hurricanes are only getting worse as the season progresses.

Ja Morant suspension could be beginning of the end of guard's Grizzlies run

Perhaps the suspension will be a wake-up call for Morant, but it could just as easily fracture an already-fraught relationship. 

Arch Manning hitting stride at right time for surging No. 20 Texas

It took a while, but Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is starting to look like the five-star talent he was expected to be.

Five NFL teams that need to make moves the most before 2025 trade deadline

With the majority of the league's teams still hopeful for a playoff run, one move could be the difference from a disappointing end to the season and playing deep into January. Here are five teams that need to make a move the most.

Why Penn State should root for an early end to Texas A&M's season

Penn State might be playing extra close attention to Texas A&M the rest of the 2025 season.

Three wild quotes from Louisiana governor Jeff Landry that could wreck LSU head-coaching search

For three days, the LSU Tigers had the most appealing head-coaching opening in college football. That changed Wednesday, when first-term Louisiana governor Jeff Landry (R) opened his mouth.

Commanders' star-crossed season continues with Terry McLaurin ruled out vs. Seahawks

The stars aren't aligning for the Washington Commanders in 2025. 

10 NFL trade targets: Who the Cowboys, Steelers and others could add before the 2025 deadline

The NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4, 4 p.m. ET) is less than a week away. Here are 10 players who could be on the move — and where they might land. 

Insider reveals Cam Skattebo recovery timeline after awful injury

Giants running back Cam Skattebo suffered a gruesome leg injury in Week 8, but a recent update reveals that, all things considered, it could have been much worse.

Mavericks battling competing timelines with Cooper Flagg benching

On one hand, they have a veteran core that should be a playoff contender. On the other is a team building toward a future with Flagg as its star.

'MNF' takeaways: Stout defensive effort leads Chiefs to decisive win over Commanders

The Kansas City Chiefs remained hot with their fifth win in six games, defeating the Washington Commanders, 28-7, on "Monday Night Football."

Patrick Surtain injury could bolster another Broncos' DPOY case

On Monday, ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold shared that Surtain, the 2024 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, is likely to miss multiple weeks after suffering a pectoral strain in Week 8's 44-22 win over the Cowboys.

Lamar Jackson return could prompt big second half from Ravens

Jackson is coming back at the right time.

Carson Wentz injury puts Vikings between rock and a hard place before trade deadline 

While Carson Wentz's injury update could force the Vikings to peruse the quarterback trade market, they might want to think twice before making a deal.

Five worst Week 8 performances: Epic collapse pushes Bengals closer to massive change

With so much bad football, there was a bouquet of options for this week's worst performances, but here are the five that stood out the most.

LSU HC Brian Kelly's hot seat even hotter after loss to No. 3 Texas A&M

LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly's hot seat is on fire. Despite having six years remaining on his contract, it's difficult imagining Kelly having much of a future in Baton Rouge following a humiliating home loss to Associated Press No.

CFB Week 9 winners, losers: Comeback Saturday keeps CFP hopefuls alive

Here are our winners and losers from Week 9, or "Comeback Saturday," of the college football season.

In shocking turn, Justin Fields getting another chance to rewrite narrative

Justin Fields has earned some harsh criticism for his play this season, perhaps none harsher from within his organization. 

Pros and cons of a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade for Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn't really do it, would they?

Wings could be repeating 2025 mistake with coaching hire

Paige Bueckers is about the only sure thing the Dallas Wings have.

Three senior candidates for 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement

One day after 52 modern-era players, led by quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, moved along in the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process, NFL senior members got their due.

NFL rookie report cards 2025: Grading every team’s draft class after seven weeks

With seven weeks of the season in the books, Yardbarker NFL writers graded every NFL team’s rookie class based on production, efficiency and long-term promise.