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

Deep 2023 NFL Draft QB class is good news for Saints

On Monday night, Tom Brady ended any dreams New Orleans had of making a playoff push. All eyes are now on the 2023 NFL Draft. Clearly, the Saints need a quarterback to replace veteran Andy Dalton and turnover machine Jameis Winston.

Odell Beckham Jr. free-agency circus is much ado about nothing

Despite the massive hype surrounding the recruitment of Beckham Jr., it's looking increasingly likely that the wide receiver will be limited in the impact he can make his season, if he can make one at all.

Texas A&M leads in players entering the transfer portal

Several teams are taking a hit in this year's college football transfer portal.

First Jackson State player officially enters transfer portal

The defensive lineman was one of several top prospects Sanders recruited to Jackson State. After his departure for Colorado, it was expected that players on the Tigers' 13-0 SWAC championship team would follow suit.

Saints do everything wrong in game that highlights sad state of NFC South

For the fortunate souls who haven't watched much of the NFC South this season, allow Monday night's game between the Saints and Buccaneers to serve as a microcosm for what's been on display this season.

Report: Ed Orgeron nixes rumors that he's in the running for UNLV job

For a moment on Monday, it appeared like Orgeron was in the running for a head coaching position at UNLV. However, Bruce Feldman spoke with Coach O and he shut down those rumors, meaning Vegas businesses won't need to board up their windows.

Insider: Only a matter of time before team forced to cancel bowl appearance

College football's transfer portal is already in overdrive.

The Cade Klubnik era begins at Clemson with DJ Uiagalelei's announcement

DJ Uiagalelei announced he was entering the transfer portal on Monday. His move means Klubnik will be the team's starter in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee and beyond. 

Viral Deion Sanders video reveals inconvenient truths

Deion Sanders made a quick impression as head coach at Colorado during his first address to the team.

Columnist suggests Indianapolis should give Jim Harbaugh an offer he can't refuse

Jim Harbaugh reaffirmed his commitment to the University of Michigan on Sunday. That won't stop NFL franchises from doing their darndest to bring him back into the league's fold.

Anthony Davis scores 55 points as Lakers begin trending in the right direction

Anthony Davis scored 55 points in Sunday's win over the Washington Wizards, giving him 99 points in his past two games. The Lakers have won three in a row and eight of their last 10.

Jimmy Garoppolo's injury puts a hitch in Niners' Super Bowl plans

Per Oddschecker, the 49ers' odds of winning the Super Bowl dropped significantly with news of Garoppolo's season-ending injury.

Historic performance from Jose Alvarado propels Pelicans to second in the West

Alvarado had the game of his life Sunday afternoon. 

For the first time in 100 years, there's a new franchise with the most wins in NFL history

The Bears stood as the winningest team in NFL history for the last 100 years. That changed Sunday.

Watch: Treylon Burks somehow hangs on to touchdown reception

Treylon Burks made a spectacular touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles that ended with the rookie wide receiver in the concussion protocol.

The CFP gets it right with TCU, Ohio State making the playoff

TCU's loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 title game opened the door for some doubt about what the College Football Playoff field would look like, but in the end the committee got it right.

A great Week 13 NFL schedule marred by terrible Sunday night matchup

Week 13 of the NFL season features five games between teams jockeying for playoff positions. Thanks to the NFL schedule, none of those games are in primetime..

Fox Sports analyst believes CFP field is set after USC's loss

 The biggest cheer heard after Utah's dominant win over USC didn't come from Salt Lake City or Columbus, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The loudest exclamation came from Fort Worth.

An arms race breaks out in AL West with Rangers' signing of Jacob DeGrom

In a free agency stunner, the Texas Rangers announced they have come to terms with pitcher Jacob DeGrom on a five-year, $185 million contract. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the deal could escalate to $222 million with a conditional sixth-year option. The deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Harold Perkins in league with Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett as dominant SEC freshmen

It's been more than a decade since South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney burst on the scene, and eight years since Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett introduced himself to a wide audience. Perkins fits right along with them.

How Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens helped the USMNT soar, fly after its win against Iran

 The St. Louis Blues had “Gloria.” The Philadelphia Phillies had “Dancing On My Own.” This World Cup, the USMNT has its own rally anthem: “Breaking Free” from “High School Music.” U.S.

Notre Dame left picking up the pieces at QB after surprising decision

Notre Dame is in the market for a starting QB after Drew Pyne's eyebrow-raising decision to enter the transfer portal. Pyne started 10 games for the Fighting Irish in 2022, posting an 8-2 record.

The Tennessee Titans will only go as far as Ryan Tannehill can take them

Tennessee's offense revolves around Derrick Henry, and rightfully so, but unless Tannehill holds up his end of the bargain, the Titans will fall out of orbit.