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

'MNF' takeaways: Stout secondary, explosive Jahmyr Gibbs lead Lions to rout of Bucs

It's the end of an era. In the first game of what could be the last Monday Night doubleheader for the foreseeable future, the Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-9.

49ers dealt another injury blow with defensive end set to miss time

The hits keep coming to the depleted San Francisco 49ers.

Mike Elko doesn't beat around the bush when discussing troubling Texas A&M history 

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko is tackling his program's troubling history at Tiger Stadium head on before a high-stakes showdown with Associated Press No. 20 LSU Tigers (5-2, 2-2 in SEC) this Saturday.

Five worst Week 7 performances: Three benched QBs may have played themselves out of starting roles

Three quarterbacks were benched in the early 1 p.m. ET window, and each may have reached the point of no return. But they weren't the only ones with regrettable performances in Week 7.

CFB Week 8 winners, losers: Ranked SEC showdowns separate contenders from pretenders

Week 8 weeded out this year's contenders from the pretenders. On a loaded Saturday that featured five ranked games, including three in the SEC, here are our winners and losers. 

Wisconsin needs to part ways with HC Luke Fickell after Ohio State loss

It's time for the Wisconsin Badgers to pull the plug on the Luke Fickell era.

Stubborn Titans keeping team from necessary full rebuild

The Tennessee Titans could be botching their rebuild.

Examining best landing spots for James Franklin following Penn State exit

The former Penn State head coach began his media rehabilitation tour on Saturday with a softball interview on ESPN's "College GameDay," and he shared he plans to return to coaching.

Curt Cignetti contract should keep Indiana relevant in Big Ten for foreseeable future

The gilded era of Indiana Hoosiers football is here to stay. 

2025 NFL trade deadline: One smart move every team should make

With a little more than half the season left, Yardbarker NFL writers pitch a trade each team should make before the deadline.  

Spencer Rattler shares thoughts on 2021 Oklahoma benching for Caleb Williams before Saints-Bears clash

Spencer Rattler discussed his time as teammates with Caleb Williams at Oklahoma, in particular his benching in 2021 for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner.

Why Panthers could soon have a running back problem

Chuba Hubbard's return to practice could complicate a burgeoning Carolina Panthers rushing attack.

Predicting top 2026 NFL Draft QBs becoming a futile exercise

Good luck figuring out this year's top NFL Draft quarterback prospects.

Spencer Rattler play could lead to tough Saints 2026 NFL Draft decision

As Spencer Rattler grows in comfort, seemingly on a weekly basis, it might force the New Orleans Saints to make a difficult decision this offseason.

Ranking five best college football head-coaching openings

The college football coaching carousel is already in full swing. As prospective candidates begin surveying their options, which current openings are the most attractive?

'MNF' takeaways: Bills defense a growing concern, Falcons' young stars deliver in prime time

The Atlanta Falcons' young stars delivered. The Buffalo Bills have an alarming problem.

Lions' Brian Branch suspension gives ailing Buccaneers massive Week 7 break

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch's suspension is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' gain.

Banged-up 49ers could soon see key player return

The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with several brutal injuries this season, but one key player might soon be returning.

Five worst Week 6 performances: Jets offense craters in embarrassing London showing

There were some awful performances in the NFL in Week 6.

Arch Manning salvages first season as starter with Red River Rivalry win

For at least one day, Manning lived up to the hype.

CFB Week 7 winners, losers: Top 25 showdowns reveal a lot

With another Saturday of college football action in the books, here's our winners and losers from an eventful Week 7.

Alabama QB Ty Simpson has Heisman moment in road win at No. 14 Missouri

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson had his Heisman moment against Associated Press No. 14 Missouri (5-1, 1-1 in SEC) on Saturday.

Five potential A.J. Brown trade destinations: These AFC playoff contenders make most sense

Is the clock ticking on wide receiver A.J. Brown's time with the Philadelphia Eagles? Some around the NFL think so. 

Which fringe contender has best chance of solidifying CFP claim in Week 7?

This weekend, three programs that entered the 2025 season as fringe playoff hopefuls can legitimize their status as contenders with statement Associated Press top-10 wins.

Five Week 7 Group of Five games to watch for CFP race

Here are five mid-major games to monitor in the CFP picture for Week 7.