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

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.

No. 13 Florida shows how little has changed in upset loss to South Florida

Billy Napier's Florida Gators are all talk and no chomp.

Mercury blow chance to keep pace for No. 2 seed with upset loss

The Phoenix Mercury squandered an opportunity to pull even with the Atlanta Dream for second in the WNBA standings on Saturday following an upset 87-84 road loss to the Connecticut Sun (11-31).

CFB Week 2 winners, losers: Baylor QB shines, Florida HC Billy Napier suffers crushing defeat

Week 2 only featured one Associated Press top 25 showdown, but it by no means lacked drama.

Cowboys first-rounder reaches new low with Week 1 inactive report

The Dallas Cowboys admitted to a huge blunder on Thursday.

Five NFL players who should be extended next after Broncos sign Nik Bonitto

As teams turn their attention to regular-season action, there are still outstanding contract negotiations that need to be resolved.

NFL 2025: One player on every team with the most to prove

NFL players are continually required to prove themselves, but here we look at one player from each team that will be especially under the microscope in 2025.

Ranked Week 2 showdown a chance for Oklahoma to re-enter national conversation

Oklahoma hasn't been Oklahoma for years. The once perennial college football contender has fallen on hard times recently, but the storied program's fortune could begin turning on Saturday night.

Historic ratings will be bad news for Ohio State's prime-time dreams

Enjoy your noon kickoffs, Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Cowboys vs. Eagles: 10 players who will define NFL's 2025 Thursday night opener

The long offseason ends on Thursday when the Cowboys and the Eagles kick things off at Lincoln Financial Field. To get ready, here are 10 players who will define the Thursday night opener. 

Napheesa Collier's latest performance should end MVP debate

Two days after clinching home court throughout the 2025 WNBA playoffs, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier may have secured league MVP honors, too.