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

Lovie Smith could lead the Texans to brighter days if they let him

With the team in line to draft star quarterback Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft, it would be premature for the organization to move on from its first-year head coach.

This College Football Playoff team is ideal for a transfer portal QB

Of the four College Football Playoff semifinalists, three -- Georgia, Ohio State, and TCU -- have questions at QB heading into next season. 

Who's hot and who's not in the transfer portal?

The transfer portal went into full swing last week, with several big names looking for new homes in 2023. On3's transfer portal rankings offer insights on early trends cropping up this season.

Lionel Messi propels Argentina to World Cup final

Argentina is a win away from its first World Cup in 36 years. For Lionel Messi, that means he's one win away from the one title that's eluded him during his career.

Dreaded 'sophomore slump' claims Mac Jones as next victim

Jones has looked like an inferior version of the one who took the field a season ago. Instead of looking more comfortable operating the offense, he looks more unsteady. It isn't all his fault, either.

Analyst Todd McShay's mock draft has four first-round QBs

With the draft months away, the picture is fuzzy, but it's clear the demarcation point for QBs comes by way of the top four, followed by everyone else.

One epic drive won't be enough to save Baker Mayfield

With a game-winning 98-yard drive last Thursday night against Las Vegas, Rams QB Baker Mayfield turned heads throughout the NFL. But the former No,. 1 overall pick must do much more to revive a career that's one step from the dumper.

College football world mourns the death of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach

The college football world is mourning the death of a visionary.

Seahawks have major draft decision looming

The Seahawks will have a top pick in the 2023 draft, in line to draft a franchise QB. Just like we all envisioned.

Cowboys on upset alert against the Jaguars

After a close call against the hapless Texans, the Cowboys will have guard against another sleepy performance against the Jags.

Brock Purdy could solve Kyle Shanahan's bad luck at QB

Brock Purdy performed admirably as the 49ers dominated the Bucs on Sunday. 

Mike Leach hospitalized as situation described as 'critical'

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach suffered a medical episode at his home on Sunday and was hospitalized as a result. Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger described Leach's situation as "critical" in an update on Sunday night.

Could Saints be destination if Sean Payton returns?

Ever since Sean Payton took a sabbatical this season, there's been speculation about where he will coach when he returns, which could come as soon as next year.

Alabama's upset of No. 1 Houston the latest in wild start to CBB season

It's been a wild start to the season with no clear favorite to cut down the nets when the championship. Look to Tuscaloosa becoming a basketball town as the clearest sign of a sport flipped on its head. 

France keeps dream alive of being first repeat World Cup champion in 60 years

France survived its quarterfinal match against England, 2-1, on Saturday.

NFL's half a million dollar fine against Cam Jordan, Saints adds insult to injury

As if the humiliating loss weren't bad enough, the NFL levied massive fines against Cameron Jordan, several members of the Saints staff and the organization itself.

Morocco moves a win away from World Cup final with stunning victory over Portugal

The win was historic. Morocco becomes the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals and is now two wins away from being on top of the soccer world.

Watch: Youssef En-Nesyri gives underdog Morocco 1-0 first-half lead over Portugal

Morocco's incredible World Cup run is continuing into the semifinals after Youssef En-Nesyri's header gave Morocco a 1-0 lead and eventual win over Portugal.

Zion Williamson's late-game dunk mirrors similar Chris Paul 2018 moment

The Phoenix Suns fumed after Zion Williamson's 360-windmill dunk in the final seconds of Friday night's Pelicans 128-117 win.  Williamson delivered the crowd-loving (and Suns-hating) dunk instead of running out the clock.

Vikings own first, but Lions soon could be king in NFC North

The Lions just can't wait to be king. Although they're not quite ready to overtake the Vikings in the NFC North, the Lions are setting themselves up for success.

Zion Williamson can cement Pelicans' place atop West this weekend

Over the weekend, New Orleans (16-8) will play the Phoenix Suns (16-9) twice at home for Western Conference bragging rights. It gives the Pelicans a great chance to show they are absolutely for real.

Everyone should take a break with the Purdy-Brady comparisons

Purdy gets his first NFL start this Sunday against Brady as the Tampa Bay QB readies for his 329th career start. The gap in experience isn't the only thing different about the start of their careers.

Marcus Mariota's benching puts 2015 QB class in ignominious place

Among QB draft classes from the past 10 seasons, the well dried faster for the class of 2015 than anyone else.

10 under-the-radar instant starters in the transfer portal

While high-profile players will dominate the transfer portal headlines, there will be plenty of lesser-known players who will be ready to make an immediate impact with their new programs. 

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa jumps to first in Pro Bowl voting

Move over, Justin Herbert. There's a new "social media QB."