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

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.

Top Heisman candidates flounder in Week 10

This weekend wasn't great for college football's Heisman Trophy contenders.

Tiger bait: No. 10 LSU beats No. 6 Alabama 32-31 on two-point conversion in OT

Alabama looked vulnerable multiple times this season and LSU entered the game feeling as good as any team in football.

Tennessee may have played itself out of the CFP after loss to Georgia

Tennessee needs help to make the playoff. It will be hard to find volunteers.

Watch: The perfect distillation of Iowa football in one play

No matter how many points Iowa scores, it's refreshing to know some things never change.

Warriors to be without four-fifths of starting lineup Friday against Pelicans

Steve Kerr is playing the long game as the Golden State Warriors announced Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins are all out for Friday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

ESPN NFL analyst Marcus Spears gives passionate plea to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 ESPN's "First Take" tackled this Sunday's Los Angeles Rams-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and analyst Marcus Spears gave a passionate defense of his position that the game is much more of a must-win for Tampa Bay than Los Angeles.

LSU recruiting scores major win over Alabama, Ohio State in landing QB Colin Hurley

The four-star recruit is the third-ranked QB in the Class of 2025, per 247 Sports.

No. 10 LSU has pieces to pull off a huge upset against No. 6 Alabama

LSU is hitting its stride at the right time and appears to have figured things out on both sides of the football.

Mel Kiper takes stock of Hendon Hooker's NFL draft placement

Hooker has been one of the best stories in college football this season as he's led the Tennessee Volunteers to an 8-0 record.