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

NFL knee-jerk reactions: Super Bowl locks, QB chaos and shocking starts across the league

Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the takes are getting hotter than a mid-September turf field. Across the league, early results are fueling bold declarations from Yardbarker NFL writers, which are presented to you here.

Week 4 Big 12 showdown gives quarterbacks chance to enter Heisman conversation

Both teams, which rank first and second in the conference in scoring offense, are led by their quarterbacks.

Five CFB teams that can make the biggest statements in Week 4

Week 4 of the 2025 college football regular season is chock-full of compelling games and storylines, headlined by three Associated Press top 25 showdowns. Here are five we're monitoring on Saturday.

Falcons offseason additions even more important following star corner's concerning injury update

It's a good thing the Atlanta Falcons invested heavily in their pass-rush this offseason, because with star corner's A.J. Terrell concerning injury update, they're going to need it.

Tom Brady's dual role could be major loss for fans, headache for NFL

The NFL entered a quagmire of its own making on Monday.

Paige Bueckers joins elite company with rare trifecta

Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers placed her name among WNBA legends on Tuesday.

Blue Jays pitching prospect makes franchise history in MLB debut

The present is looking pretty nice for the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays, and after Monday, so does their future.

'MNF' takeaways: Baker Mayfield leads last-second comeback in thriller

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 2-0 on the young 2025 season with a come-from-behind 20-19 win over the winless Houston Texans (0-2).

Key defensive loss comes at a bad time for Ravens

There's hardly a good time to lose an edge-rusher, but the Baltimore Ravens are losing this player directly before a critical stretch of their schedule.

Five worst NFL Week 2 performances: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin, Jaguars WR Brian Thomas cost teams

Another weekend of NFL action is in the books, and for some players and coach, next Sunday can't come soon enough after some rough performances. Here are the five worst from Week 2.

Texas QB Arch Manning not looking ready for SEC play after dud vs. UTEP

The Texas Longhorns officially have cause for concern.

Jerry Jones, Cowboys avoid repeating Micah Parsons mistake with record extension for two-time Pro Bowler

Following the Micah Parsons debacle, the Dallas Cowboys made sure not to repeat their past mistakes.

CFB Week 3 winners, losers: Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed leads thrilling comeback, Tennessee loses heartbreaker

Another week of college football is in the books. Ranked Georgia-Tennessee and Texas A&M-Notre Dame games lived up to the hype, and the rest of Saturday's slate delivered, too.

Saints' unusual trade for injured wide receiver a bet on head coach Kellen Moore

The New Orleans Saints must like what they've seen out of head coach Kellen Moore.

Patriots OC Josh McDaniels hints to offensive game plan change in Week 2 against Dolphins

As talented as second-year quarterback Drake Maye is, McDaniels may have put too much on his plate in the opener.

32 starters, 32 stories: The stats that define every NFL starting QB in 2025

A QB's performance on any given week can shape a franchise’s future and determine the fate of his teammates.

Ryan Day's transfer portal complaint shot down by SEC coaches

If Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day wants support for his transfer portal stance, he better look elsewhere than from SEC head coaches.

The Big Five: NFL Week 1 surprises that probably won't hold up in Week 2 and beyond

Beware of reading too much into Week 1 in the NFL. It's easy to leap to conclusions, but first impressions aren't always accurate.

Bulls score massive win with Josh Giddey extension

A month before the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, the Bulls have already notched their first win.

Deion Sanders makes bold move to jumpstart Colorado offense

It didn't take long for Colorado Buffaloes to make a drastic change.

'MNF' takeaways: Vikings spoil Ben Johnson's Bears debut

Another primetime NFL game, another incredible comeback. The Minnesota Vikings capped Week 1 of the 2025 regular season with a  27-24 come-from-behind win over the Chicago Bears.

Eagles add depth behind Saquon Barkley with trade for Jaguars RB

The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their running back room on Monday.

Piling injuries could test Rams QB Matthew Stafford's health

Mounting injuries could soon test how healthy Stafford truly is.

Five worst NFL Week 1 performances: Jets free-agent signing, Lions O-line have rocky starts

The start of the 2025 NFL season is a time for fresh beginnings. But for some teams and players, they're likely asking for a do-over. Here are Week 1's five worst performances.