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

Brian Kelly heading to SEC Championship Game in first year as LSU head coach

LSU (8-2, 6-1 in SEC) made a shocking splash when it landed Kelly, poaching him from the storied Notre Dame program.

CFB world reacts to Harold Perkins' remarkable performance

The freshman linebacker was the best player on the field Saturday and had his fingerprints all over the game. 

Joe Thomas' epic rant highlights the stupidity of coaches who work too much

Joe Thomas railed against the Colts' hiring of Jeff Saturday, arguing that the time commitment it takes to be an NFL coach is too much to handle.

NFL says 'nein' to Seattle's German-born player ahead of game in Munich

Aaron Donkor was born in Achern, Germany and played internationally for the Dusseldorf Panthers.

Micah Parsons wants Cowboys to stomp out Packers

The superstar Dallas linebacker used a colorful description courtesy of his grandmother to discuss his mentality going into a clash with the Packers.

Watch: Tulane one-ups ESPN, builds own 'College GameDay' set before huge game

Tulane took its "College GameDay" snub in stride with a great jersey reveal video ahead of Saturday's game.

A potential new dynasty emerges in college football

Move over, Alabama! There's a new king of college football in town.

One stat that epitomizes how rough a season it's been for the Steelers offense

The Steelers haven't scored a touchdown on a play further than eight yards from the end zone.

Comment from Eagles QB likely 'Hurts' Steelers fans

The distance between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is a long one, geographically and now organizationally, too. It didn't have to be this way. For the Steelers, that hurts the most.

NBA Hall of Famer declares Luka better than LeBron at same point of career

Luka Dončić > LeBron? Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway, who starred in the NBA from 1989-2003,  believes the Mavericks' superstar is better than

Davante Adams has sharp words on state of the Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is peeved with the sad state of the team.

Commanders blasted for response to announcement from Attorney General

The team issued defensive statement following news that the D.C. Attorney General has scheduled a press conference to make an announcement about the team.

Vikings' hot start is drawing crickets

The Vikings are 7-1, with their only loss coming to undefeated Eagles.

Why C.J. Stroud's bad day at Northwestern won't impact NFL Draft stock

 C.J. Stroud had a rough day at the office last Saturday. That won't stop him from clocking in on Sundays next year as a top NFL Draft pick. Against Northwestern, Stroud struggled in terrible conditions.

TCU fans breathe a sigh of a relief with latest CFP rankings

Sitting as one of four remaining undefeated teams — the Horned Frogs won't be leapfrogged by anyone if they run the table.

Watch: Lamar Jackson surprises fan in heartwarming video

The young fan's reaction is priceless.

Tyreek Hill's record-setting pace should be generating more NFL MVP buzz

Tyreek Hill's addition has been a revelation for the Miami Dolphins and he's on pace for a historically great season. Will it be enough to potentially secure a MVP award in the process? 

Debate grows after Jeff Saturday's stunning hire in Indianapolis

Saturday's shocking hire, critics argue, is just another sign of the opportunities given to white coaches at the expense of more qualified minority candidates. 

Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl contenders... if they don't blow it

Baltimore is proving it can play with anyone in the NFL. It's time to consider them a legitimate challenger to Kansas City and Buffalo for AFC supremacy.

Jimbo Fisher's no good, very bad 2022 is already impacting Texas A&M's recruiting

Texas A&M is looking a lot like the Titanic. It might not be long before more jump ship.

Frank Reich's fortune turned when Andrew Luck abruptly retired

Quarterback has been a black hole for the Colts since Luck's retirement and ultimately tanked Reich's tenure in Indy.

Is Colts HC Frank Reich's seat getting hot after loss to New England?

The Indianapolis Colts' ugly start could lead to the end of Frank Reich's tenure as head coach.

Josh McDaniels is blowing his second chance as an NFL head coach

McDaniels hasn't evolved, and it's leading to the devolution of the Las Vegas Raiders.

How the Jets are winning despite QB Zach Wilson

The New York Jets are 6-3 and a half-game out of first in the AFC East. Imagine what they could do with a quarterback.

Will the best quarterback of the 2021 draft class please stand up?

Believe it or not: Justin Fields may be the best QB drafted in the first round of the 2021 draft.