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

Outstanding Cooper Flagg has Duke looking like future national champions

With another excellent performance from the Wooden Award contender, it's easy to understand why the Blue Devils are the favorites to win the men's 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Watch: Amen Thompson's game-winner vs. Celtics proves Rockets are legit

The Houston Rockets have arrived. On Monday, Houston snapped a four-game road losing streak to the defending-champion Boston Celtics with a 114-112 win.

Watch: Unbelievable sequence lifts No. 7 Houston to road win vs. No. 12 Kansas

No. 7 Houston left Allen Fieldhouse with a stunning 92-86 win over No. 12 Kansas after sending the game into a second overtime with an improbable sequence. 

Jets GM Darren Mougey has tough early test in new job

It won't take long for recently hired Jets general manager Darren Mougey to prove his worth.

Vanderbilt proves SEC's depth with win over No. 9 Kentucky

Vanderbilt's resume-building win over No. 9 Kentucky was another illustration of the SEC's 2024-25 depth.

Despite backtracking, Tyreek Hill and Dolphins are headed for collision

While the seas have calmed, the waters can still get choppy.

New Dan Snyder report makes Commanders' success even sweeter

While Snyder is still a headache for the NFL, the Commanders are living their best lives without him.

Where does new Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer land on NFL head-coaching hires list?

The NFL hiring cycle is nearing its conclusion, with six of the seven openings filled.

Butterfly effect: How Liam Coen's reversal impacts Jets and Saints in OC, HC searches

When Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen reversed course and decided to become the Jaguars head coach, it created a ripple effect.

Best 20 players on NFL championship Sunday: Is Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes No. 1?

Sunday's NFC and AFC championship games feature no shortage of star power. 

Oilers should take Connor McDavid's advice after star forward breaks silence on three-game suspension

Oilers forward Connor McDavid might not agree with his league-imposed three-game suspension, but he's ready to put in the past. 

Jets turn home-run Aaron Glenn hire into a single with twist in GM search

As much as New York deserves praise for the hiring, naturally, the franchise's top brass couldn't let a good thing last.

Why Cowboys' coaching update should worry fans

Should Cowboys fans be worried about the team's coaching search?

Jaguars' spiraling HC search results in firing of GM Trent Baalke

On Wednesday, the Jaguars lost out on another top coaching candidate and fired their GM as a result.

Big Ten owns college football with second consecutive CFP win

Michigan and Ohio State are fierce rivals on the field, but together, they've put the Big Ten on top of the college football mountain.

Why Cooper Kupp should remain in L.A. amid uncertain Rams future

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp might have played his last game with the Rams, but that shouldn't mean he's played his final home game at SoFi Stadium.

Oilers, Canucks put on notice with Connor McDavid, Tyler Myers suspensions

The NHL put the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on notice on Monday.

What Ben Johnson hire means for Bears, Lions: Why Chicago isn't in the clear yet after landing top coaching target

Johnson's hiring will have major ramifications in the NFC North, but what does it mean specifically for the Bears and Lions? Let's dive in and find out.

Rams-Eagles takeaways: Questionable coaching decisions nearly derail Philadelphia

Here are three takeaways from a divisional-round thriller that sets up an all-NFC East conference championship game between the Commanders and Eagles next Sunday.

Watch: Commanders, Lions trade haymakers in wild second quarter

Saturday's bonkers NFC divisional round game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions featured several twists, including one sequence that gave Washington a two-score lead, stunning the home crowd.

Texans-Chiefs takeaways: Kansas City can keep getting away with it

The Chiefs kicked off the NFL's divisional round with a 23-14 win over the Texans to advance to next Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Watch: Long Travis Kelce reception leads to Chiefs TD vs. Texans

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' connection with tight end Travis Kelce is as strong as ever.

Watch: Chiefs' opening kickoff return vs. Texans provides fireworks

A 63-yard punt return and fumble. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and sideline shoving match. The first play of the NFL’s divisional round nearly had everything.

Kansas State's bad NIL investment on display during ugly start in loss to Kansas

The Wildcats have been under immense pressure as the losses mount after the program spent considerable resources on the roster this offseason.