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

Latest troubling news on Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas

Saints head coach Dennis Allen has announced the latest news on wide receiver Michael Thomas.

Simulation theory: Texas may have the best shot at winning the Big 12

Advanced statistics suggest that the Texas Longhorns aren't as much of a long shot at winning the Big 12 as one might think. 

Dark-horse QB could shake up Heisman Trophy race

It seems like two finalists for the Heisman are givens, but what about the other two spots?

NBA to stream all 15 games for free day before Election Day

The NBA is pushing its fans to vote on Nov. 8 with all 30 teams in action the night before Election Day, which is a collective off-day.

Jerry Jones criticized for Halloween costume

 The National Federation of the Blind criticized Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over his Halloween costume this year in which he dressed as a blind NFL referee.

Historic Tennessee-Georgia game sets record for regular-season CFB ticket prices

Saturday's game will mark the first time that teams ranked No. 1 in the AP (Georgia) and College Football Playoff poll (Tennessee) play each other. 

Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self suspended for start of the season

Kansas will begin its national title defense without head coach Bill Self. The school announced self-imposed sanctions in the wake of findings from an FBI investigation on corruption within the sport.

Why the College Football Playoff may already be down to seven contenders

College football is known for producing wild moments. A team emerging from outside the top seven would be the wildest of all.

Pelicans looking like clear winner of Anthony Davis deal

The Lakers did win a title in the bubble with Davis, but the Pelicans sure seem to be in great position thanks to the trade.

Nets fans, media blast team over head coaching decision

Brooklyn Nets fans made their feelings known when it was reported that the team was close to hiring Ime Udoka as its next head coach. For an organization already dealing with a face of the franchise promoting anti-Semitic content, the latest unforced error is a bridge too far.

Brandin Cooks seemingly reacts to not being traded

Brandin Cooks was seen as someone who could be traded during a historic NFL trade deadline day. It didn't happen, and Cooks seemingly reacted to the news on social media.

Sorting through the rubble of the Packers-Raiders Davante Adams trade

Neither the Raiders nor the Packers look close to contending for the playoffs. As the losses mount, the trade will only look worse.

Report: Panthers rejected major draft haul from Rams for Brian Burns

The Carolina Panthers' flash sale appears to have ended, with the team rejecting the Los Angeles Rams' advances on defensive end Brian Burns.

Ugly brawl between Michigan State, Michigan latest hit to Mel Tucker, Spartans

After another uninspiring performance, the Spartans did their best to distract from the fact that they are last in the Big Ten East at 3-5 overall and 1-4 in conference.

With Georgia looming, the clock is close to striking midnight for Tennessee

No. 2 Tennessee makes the next stop on its Cinderella run as it heads into a meeting against No. 1 Georgia.

With Bryan Harsin out at Auburn, could Deion Sanders be in?

Auburn fired head coach Bryan Harsin on Monday and immediately speculation began about who would replace him.

Six teams that could cause CFP chaos

LSU, North Carolina, Kansas State and North Carolina walk into the College Football Playoff... No, that isn't the start of a joke.

Alvin Kamara's swagger could be enough for Saints to win NFC South

Kamara said the Saints had to "get back to our swagger" after a 2-5 start.

Watch: Elijah Moore does his best Sue Sylvester impersonation for Halloween

 New York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore saw this clip of Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester in "Glee" and said, "Goals." The Jets (5-3) lost 22-17 to New England (4-4) and Moore had no catches on one target.

'Game of the Century' set with No. 1 Georgia hosting No. 2 Tennessee

 Associated Press college football poll voters gave this Saturday's game between No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Tennessee extra juice when they moved the Volunteers up into a tie for second with Ohio State in the latest poll.

Watch: A Minnesota G.O.A.T. rides a horse in ring of honor ceremony

Jared Allen was honored during Minnesota's game Sunday against Arizona as the team added the star defensive end to its Ring of Honor. He arrived on the field in incredible fashion.

Will Tennessee be at No. 1 in the first College Football Playoff ranking?

Entering Saturday's game, Tennessee was averaging 50.1 points and 571.7 yards per game, both best in the country.

No. 2 Ohio State wins thanks to a historic day by defender J.T. Tuimoloau

Tuimoloau finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and two interceptions — including one returned for a touchdown that sealed the Buckeyes' comeback win.