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

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."

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.