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

Diamondbacks make massive play to keep up with Dodgers in signing Corbin Burnes

The Diamondbacks landed the best remaining free agent late Friday evening.

USC's bookend wins another hit to SEC's case as best CFB conference

Maybe USC should have joined the SEC instead.

Navy's Armed Forces Bowl win shows Alabama didn't belong in CFP

Navy accomplished something mighty Alabama couldn't on Friday: beat mediocre Oklahoma.

Watch: Navy QB Blake Horvath wows with incredible run in Armed Forces Bowl

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath's breakout season ended with a bang at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl against Oklahoma.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts trending in wrong direction ahead of Week 17

The Eagles could be forced to start Kenny Pickett at quarterback in Week 17.

CFP 2025 winter transfer portal winners and losers: How LSU righted itself after a horrible November

College football's transfer portal has seen a flurry of activity since it opened over two weeks ago on Dec. 9.

Steelers' slump should make team consider starting Justin Fields

The slumping Steelers might want to consider a quarterback change.

Bradley Chubb update puts Dolphins between a rock and a hard place

On Tuesday, the Dolphins added another chapter to their disappointing 2024 by announcing that outside linebacker Bradley Chubb won't play this season.

Three moves to fix Saints following ugly 'MNF' loss to Packers

There aren't any quick fixes to make the Saints a contender in 2025, but the franchise can begin laying the groundwork for its next playoff-caliber team this offseason.

Indiana's massive transfer portal commitment shows Hoosiers are here to stay

The addition gives Indiana a better chance of keeping pace with the Big Ten's elite.

'MNF' takeaways: Packers appear playoff-ready in laugher vs. Saints

The Saints did their best Tennessee impression on Monday, getting trounced on the road at Green Bay, 34-0.

Patrik Laine receives unwanted welcome as Columbus return is cut short

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine and his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, likely aren't on each other's gift list.

Watch: Tyrese Maxey ices win vs. Spurs with a late three

What began as a hyped showdown between 76ers center Joel Embiid and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama ended with 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey as the game's biggest star.

Joel Embiid ejection spoils showdown with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

Monday's big NBA showdown between 76ers center Joel Embiid and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was spoiled when Embiid was ejected in the second quarter following a double-tech.

Why Aaron Rodgers' options could be limited in 2025

Who wants Aaron Rodgers? During his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday, Rodgers joked about his uncertain future with the Jets.

Week 16 worst QB performances: Kenny Pickett shows Eagles how much they need Jalen Hurts

Let's take a closer look at Kenny Pickett, Drew Lock and the rest of Sunday's worst quarterback performances.

Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin was the biggest loser of the CFP first round

It took a special performance, but Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was the biggest loser of the College Football Playoff first round.

Watch: Explosive Texas rushing attack gives Longhorns sizable halftime CFP lead over Clemson

Texas' running game was a major question mark at the beginning of the season, but it's become the team's strength in the postseason.

CFP takeaways: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian finds recipe for success in win over Clemson

Five-seed Texas (12-2) made home teams 3-0 in the first round of the College Football Playoff with a 38-24 win over Clemson (10-4), the closest of the three opening-round games.

Young Saints have chance to prove themselves on 'MNF'

The New Orleans Saints might receive a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future this Monday.

Texans star WR suffers brutal injury after making incredible TD catch

Houston scored a touchdown, but the injury quickly overshadowed it.

Watch: Patrick Mahomes quiets concerns about ankle with TD run vs. Texans

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes's ankle looked fine on his 15-yard touchdown run against the Texans.

Georgia has concerning outlook for QB Carson Beck in CFP

Georgia's road to the College Football Playoff national championship just got harder.

CFP Preview: Running backs could decide Tennessee-Ohio State

Don't sleep on 9-seed Tennessee (10-2) and 8-seed Ohio State (10-2). Both teams have excellent backfields. And whichever one has the best game in Saturday's primetime showdown could determine who leaves Columbus a winner.