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

Gus Johnson believes there's one player who can significantly help his Heisman stock this weekend

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy should receive consideration for an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony with a strong showing in the Big Ten title game, says broadcaster Gus Johnson.

College Football Playoff sets schedule for 2024 and 2025 12-team playoff

After the Rose Bowl cleared the way for expansion in 2024, the College Football Playoff committee made it official with Thursday's scheduling announcement for the expanded playoff.

Gus Johnson talks potentially calling World Cup games in 2026

Gus Johnson has voiced several iconic moments over the years, but don't expect those golden chords to announce any World Cup action when the event lands on American soil in 2026.

Who wants that Smoke? Kentucky running back enters transfer portal

entucky running back Kavosiey Smoke's game is even better than his name, and the Wildcats star announced his intention to take both elsewhere by entering the transfer portal.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson earns NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson looked like the most dominant force in football last month.

Buffalo looks to do something it hasn't done all season against New England

The buzz has quieted surrounding the Buffalo Bills as Super Bowl favorites, in part because the team enters the month of December without a division win. Starting Thursday against the Patriots, they look to rack up AFC East  wins.

College Football Playoff reportedly set for major expansion

Next season will be the last time we hear arguments over who deserves a spot in the top four. It doesn't mean there won't be any more debates, however.

Prince William and Princess Kate get to witness royally great Jayson Tatum performance

Jayson Tatum delivered a performance fit for a king Wednesday night. Prince William and Princess Kate were in attendance for a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals and saw Tatum score 49 points in a 134-121 Boston win over Miami.

Former Nebraska interim head coach Mickey Joseph arrested on multiple charges

Joseph served as interim coach at Nebraska following Scott Frost's September firing. In his nine games as coach, the Cornhuskers went 3-6.

It's beginning to look a lot like it's prime time for Deion Sanders to make the FBS jump

Deion Sanders will reportedly make a decision on his coaching future after Jackson State's SWAC Championship Game appearance.

Legendary broadcaster Gus Johnson reveals national title pick

Johnson's made a lot of great calls over the years. His pick for who will be national champion is as strong as any.

Thursday's Costa Rica-Germany World Cup match will be historic

Stephanie Frappart was the first woman to officiate a World Cup match when she was given the assignment of refereeing the Mexico-Poland match on Nov. 22. She'll be joined by two other women for this game.

The ESPN-to-coach pipeline continues with latest coaching hire by UAB

He’s the second former ESPN analyst this month to land a coaching gig.

College Football Playoff semifinals take shape with latest rankings

There's potential for some reshuffling, but the deck chairs are close to being bolted down. It will take a storm system bigger than what may be possible to shift them out of place.

American World Cup victory sets up epic sports day on Saturday

After a thrilling 1-0 victory over Iran, the U.S. is on to the Round of 16 on Saturday, a day that's filled with high-stakes action for sports fans. 

Despite his denials, expect NFL teams to circle Jim Harbaugh this offseason

The last time the lights went out on Jim Harbaugh in the NFL, his team nearly won a Super Bowl. Some expect Harbaugh to try to flip the switch back on his NFL career this offseason.

Max Duggan's odds of Heisman invite increase with Tuesday announcement

Max Duggan was announced as one of three finalists for the Davey O'Brien Award -- given annually to the best college football QB -- on Tuesday. Does that tell us anything about a possible Heisman nomination? 

A Freeze on the plains: Icy reaction to Auburn's head coaching decision

Hugh Freeze is Auburn's new head coach, per Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger. The reception has been icy. 

Russell Wilson trade worse than infamous Herschel Walker deal?

Five games into the 1989 season, with the Cowboys 0-5 and rebuilding, the team sent Walker and three draft picks to the Vikings for four players and eight draft picks. Dallas' haul included three first and three second-round draft picks.

Freeze frame: Why has Auburn's coaching search crawled to a halt?

Forty-eight hours after it was reported that Auburn had zeroed in on Hugh Freeze as its next head coach, all is quiet on the Tigers front.

Russell Wilson's stalled ride has Denver experiencing buyer's remorse

As the Broncos' season seemingly gets worse with each passing week, what can the team do to make sure 2022 is an aberration and not a trend?

Commanders RB Brian Robinson had a big day and an even bigger hat

Don't expect Robinson to let the success he had on Sunday give him a big head. But if it does, he has the hat to fill it.

Clemson out of CFP discussion with shocking loss to South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecocks came up with a huge upset victory over No. 8 Clemson to knock the Tigers out of the conversation for the College Football Playoff.