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

For the first time in 100 years, there's a new franchise with the most wins in NFL history

The Bears stood as the winningest team in NFL history for the last 100 years. That changed Sunday.

Watch: Treylon Burks somehow hangs on to touchdown reception

Treylon Burks made a spectacular touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles that ended with the rookie wide receiver in the concussion protocol.

The CFP gets it right with TCU, Ohio State making the playoff

TCU's loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 title game opened the door for some doubt about what the College Football Playoff field would look like, but in the end the committee got it right.

A great Week 13 NFL schedule marred by terrible Sunday night matchup

Week 13 of the NFL season features five games between teams jockeying for playoff positions. Thanks to the NFL schedule, none of those games are in primetime..

Fox Sports analyst believes CFP field is set after USC's loss

 The biggest cheer heard after Utah's dominant win over USC didn't come from Salt Lake City or Columbus, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The loudest exclamation came from Fort Worth.

An arms race breaks out in AL West with Rangers' signing of Jacob DeGrom

In a free agency stunner, the Texas Rangers announced they have come to terms with pitcher Jacob DeGrom on a five-year, $185 million contract. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the deal could escalate to $222 million with a conditional sixth-year option. The deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Harold Perkins in league with Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett as dominant SEC freshmen

It's been more than a decade since South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney burst on the scene, and eight years since Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett introduced himself to a wide audience. Perkins fits right along with them.

How Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens helped the USMNT soar, fly after its win against Iran

 The St. Louis Blues had “Gloria.” The Philadelphia Phillies had “Dancing On My Own.” This World Cup, the USMNT has its own rally anthem: “Breaking Free” from “High School Music.” U.S.

Notre Dame left picking up the pieces at QB after surprising decision

Notre Dame is in the market for a starting QB after Drew Pyne's eyebrow-raising decision to enter the transfer portal. Pyne started 10 games for the Fighting Irish in 2022, posting an 8-2 record.

The Tennessee Titans will only go as far as Ryan Tannehill can take them

Tennessee's offense revolves around Derrick Henry, and rightfully so, but unless Tannehill holds up his end of the bargain, the Titans will fall out of orbit.

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.