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

AP CFB Player of the Year award could be start of big weekend for Travis Hunter

Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter is going to need a bigger shelf.

Red Sox keep up in AL East arms race with trade for White Sox ace

Boston couldn't let New York be the only AL East team to improve its pitching staff.

NFL teams must answer for Bill Belichick snub as legend heads to college ranks

How can so many teams have had a coaching vacancy the past two years and not one hire the greatest coach in league history?

Darian Mensah's transfer decision continues college football's democratization

Duke? A destination program in college football? Anything is possible in the transfer portal era.

Could Rangers' latest signing close the door on Max Scherzer's return?

The Rangers wouldn't let starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi leave, but it might have cost them Max Scherzer. On Tuesday, Texas and Eovaldi agreed to a three-year, $75M contract.

Lane Kiffin hits nail on the head with scathing CFB criticism

Never one to mince words, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin tore into college football's end-of-season schedule on Tuesday. Unlike on most other occasions, this time, Kiffin had a salient point.

South Carolina keeps talented defensive freshman with lucrative NIL deal

On Tuesday, South Carolina locked in one of the key members of its outstanding defensive line with a lucrative name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.

Watch: Chaotic punt sequence dooms Cowboys on 'MNF'

Dallas appeared to have made a game-altering (in its favor) play in its 27-20 loss to Cincinnati after blocking Bengals punter Ryan Rehkow's kick with under two minutes left and the game tied at 20.

'MNF' takeaways: Bengals get help from unlikely source in wild ending vs. Cowboys

On paper, Monday night's game between two losing teams, the Bengals (5-8) and Cowboys (5-8), didn't seem like it would be all that memorable. But an inexplicable Cowboys mental error ensured their 27-20 loss wouldn't be forgotten in Dallas for some time.

Falcons should bench QB Kirk Cousins, but here's why they won't

It's time for Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to bench Kirk Cousins, but he probably won't for a non-football reason.

College football power rankings: Stacking the College Football Playoff field

With championship weekend in the rearview, we offer our final college football power rankings before bowl season commences.But instead of our regular top 10, we’ve ranked the 12 playoff teams.

Week 14 worst QB performances: Kirk Cousins' downward spiral is derailing Falcons

From Kirk Cousins' miserable homecoming to Kyler Murray's third straight loss, here are the five worst quarterback performances from Sunday's NFL slate.

Missouri's upset over Kansas affirms SEC as best college hoops conference

The SEC is a basketball conference now. On Sunday, Missouri (8-1) pulled off a stunning 76-67 win over No. 1 Kansas (7-2) to continue the conference's outstanding start to the 2024-25 season.

Comeback Kentucky win proves it's a legitimate 2024-25 national title contender

Kentucky's early season start under first-year HC Mark Pope has been remarkable, considering the overhaul the roster underwent during the offseason.

Embarrassing loss shows how Nuggets are failing Nikola Jokic

Even an all-time great Nikola Jokic performance on Saturday couldn't get the struggling Nuggets into the win column against the NBA's worst team.

CFB Week 15 winners, losers: Championship games deliver the drama

From an SEC overtime thriller to an ACC championship game walk-off, the final college football Saturday before the 12-team College Football Playoff field is set had plenty of drama.

Watch: RB Cam Skattebo's massive first half gives Arizona State commanding Big 12 championship game lead

Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo had a first half to remember against Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game.

NFL insider provides update on Kirk Cousins' job security

The Falcons' season is slipping away.

Bill Belichick sweepstakes underway with unexpected suitor reportedly joining the mix

Bill Belichick is reportedly leaving no stone unturned as he looks to return to the sidelines in 2025. 

Eric Bieniemy can't spin his way out of dismal UCLA season

According to Eric Bieniemy's agent, Jason Fletcher, his client's firing at UCLA one year into a two-year contract he signed in February was all part of the plan.

Top trade destinations for Storm guard Jewell Loyd

Storm All-Star guard Jewell Loyd wants out. Here are three destinations that make sense.

Oklahoma's quarterback turnover puts immense pressure on HC Brent Venables

For the second consecutive season, Oklahoma lost its starting quarterback to the transfer portal.

Central Florida interest shows how far Lincoln Riley has fallen at USC

Riley was arguably the most in-demand coaching candidate in 2022 when both LSU and USC tried to lure him from Oklahoma.