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

Falcons make major changes to coaching staff after disappointing 2024 season

Following a disappointing end to the 2024 season, Atlanta wasted little time making changes to its coaching staff.

Cooper Flagg shows why NBA teams should tank for him in Duke win

Flagg gave the NBA's worst teams something to hope for with his strong effort in an 86-78 win over Notre Dame on Saturday.

Watch: Jack Sawyer scoop-and-score propels Ohio State to first national title game appearance since 2020

Ohio State senior defensive end Jack Sawyer returned to Columbus for moments like Friday night at the Cotton Bowl.

Watch: Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson makes up for penalty with massive TD vs. Texas

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson made up for an early blunder in a major way at the end of the first half of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against Texas.

Penn State QB Drew Allar still has time to change NFL Draft decision

While Penn State quarterback Drew Allar told the coaching staff he plans to return for his senior season in December, ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates noted he has time to alter plans.

Three reasons why Notre Dame can win the national championship

The Irish will play either Ohio State or Texas for a chance to win their first national title since 1988. Here are three reasons why Notre Dame's championship drought could soon be over.

Notre Dame dealing with flu outbreak ahead of Orange Bowl

Penn State isn't the only thing standing in Notre Dame's way as it seeks a trip to the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Falcons GM makes surprising Kirk Cousins admission

Kirk Cousins isn't good enough to be Atlanta's starting quarterback, but the Falcons still want him as their backup.

Ranking the seven known Saints head-coaching candidates

So far, NFL media reporters have linked seven candidates to New Orleans' opening. Here's our ranking of the candidates for the Saints job, from the worst to best fit.

Ranking the three NFL wild-card teams with best chance of a deep playoff run

For the NFL's six wild-card teams, each is seeking to become the first since the 2021 49ers to reach their conference championship game.

NFL awards predictions: Our picks for MVP, Offensive Rookie of the Year and more

This year's NFL awards races are some of the most competitive in recent years.

Titans' GM firing an indictment of Will Levis pick

After whiffing on Levis, Ran Carthon won't be selecting Tennessee's next starting quarterback.

Coby White's dunk over Victor Wembanyama lifts surging Bulls to win over Spurs

Bulls guard Coby White sealed Chicago's comeback 114-110 win over San Antonio on Monday with an emphatic slam dunk over Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.

Bryce Lance's big game propels NDSU dynasty to 10th title

The Lance family is becoming North Dakota State royalty.  On Monday, North Dakota State won its 10th national title overall and fifth in the last eight seasons, withstanding a furious Montana State second-half rally in a 35-32 win.

Pistons' Cade Cunningham continues to bolster case for first All-Star nod

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham continued his push for his first All-Star Game nod on Monday in Detroit's 118-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Arizona State receives significant 2025 boost with key playmaker's announcement

Arizona State nearly pulled off the upset of the College Football Playoff in the Peach Bowl against Texas. Thanks to a key 2024 playmaker's recent announcement, it might not be an upset next time.

Jaguars' front office decision should worry coaching candidates

The Jaguars could have had the most attractive opening in the 2025 NFL hiring cycle. Instead, owner Shad Khan's decision to retain general manager Trent Baalke makes it one of the worst.

Packers could be without two-time Pro Bowler for rest of the season

He has been limited to seven games this season due to a knee injury.

Iowa State defense proves to be championship-caliber in blowout win over Baylor

Iowa State showed why it's on the shortlist of men's college basketball national championship hopefuls with an emphatic win over conference rival Baylor.

Ravens-Browns takeaways: Action-packed game begins Week 18

Here are our takeaways from the first game of the Week 18 slate.

Updated NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds shows why league needs a Most Improved Player category

Darnold has been excellent for the Vikings (14-2), but based on the Associated Press's voting criteria, he should be ineligible for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Biggest AFC Pro Bowl snubs: Broncos D-lineman is a glaring miss

On Thursday, the NFL revealed the 2025 Pro Bowl Games rosters. Here are five AFC players with the biggest gripes about not making the initial cut.

Five best NFL fits for ASU running back Cam Skattebo

After Cam Skattebo's exhilarating performance in the Peach Bowl, more than a few NFL front offices were probably daydreaming about how he'd look in their offense. 

Biggest NFC Pro Bowl snubs: Lions star safety's omission a genuine head-scratcher

These NFC players should have the biggest gripes about not making the initial cut.