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

Possible Philip Rivers-Colts reunion is a wild, terrible idea

The Indianapolis Colts have reached desperation mode.

Five worst Week 14 performances: Cardinals defense, Falcons special teams come up short

Here are the five worst performances from Sunday's Week 14 NFL action.

Eagles take unorthodox approach to breaking out of slump

The Philadelphia Eagles have turned to an unlikely source to lift the team's mood after two consecutive losses.

CFB Week 15 winners, losers: Indiana is nation's best team entering CFP

 A thrilling championship weekend is in the books. As the dust settles on a captivating day of college football action, here are our Week 15 winners and losers.

Lane Kiffin closes first week as LSU HC with massive coaching hires

Amid a busy first week as LSU Tigers head coach, Kiffin secured a pair of key coaching commitments.

Jalen Carter loss threatens to sink Eagles season

Just when the Philadelphia Eagles thought things couldn't get any worse, defensive tackle Jalen Carter entered the picture.

'The Puppet Master’: What to know about Jimmy Sexton — Lane Kiffin’s superagent and college football power broker

For decades, superagent Jimmy Sexton has been one of the most powerful figures in college football. This year’s coaching carousel has once again reminded fans just how far his influence reaches.

Mystery Lane Kiffin pursuer revealed in ESPN article

During his introductory news conference as LSU head coach, Lane Kiffin repeatedly mentioned choosing between four options for his 2026 home. On Wednesday, we learned who the mystery team was.

NFL Big Five: Storylines to watch during final stretch of the regular season

The calendar turned to December this week, meaning we've already reached the final full month of the 2025 NFL regular season. Before Week 14 action begins, here are five storylines we're monitoring over the next five weeks.

How SEC could rule first round of the CFP

The SEC is coming. With the College Football Playoff first-round only two weeks away — the first game is Friday, Dec. 19 — the field is close to being set, and the SEC might just be two results away from ruling the opening weekend of the 12-team playoff.

Adam Thielen doesn't move the needle in Steelers' playoff push

If Adam Thielen wanted to make the playoffs in his final season, he probably should have picked somewhere else to play.

'MNF' takeaways: Patriots QB Drake Maye strengthens MVP case with sterling performance vs. Giants

Monday night's game between the 10-2 and 2-10 teams went just as we expected.

Giants first-round pick dealing with more disciplinary issues with early 'MNF' benching

New York Giants rookie defensive end Abdul Carter is making more news off the field than on it.

Chargers reveal Justin Herbert update following hand injury

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is on the mend.

10 college football hiring superlatives: Worst and sneaky-best hires, fireworks at LSU

The 2025-26 college football hiring cycle is off to a dizzying start. Below are 10 superlatives from the initial wave of signings.

Five worst Week 13 performances: Questionable Kevin Stefanski calls, awful Texans-Colts officiating and more

Some NFL coaches, quarterbacks and referees looked like they were still on Thanksgiving break on Sunday. Here are the five worst performances of Week 13.

LSU earns right to be next team spurned by Lane Kiffin after winning coaching sweepstakes

While the union between LSU and Kiffin could produce incredible results, anyone paying attention to the program and coach knows it's possible — probable, some may argue — that this won't end well.

CFB Week 14 winners, losers: CFP picture crystalizes as top teams lock up likely bids

Another college football regular season is in the books. With conference championships next weekend, this Saturday was the last full weekend of action, and it delivered no shortage of memorable moments. 

Ohio State exorcises Michigan demons with blowout road win

Ohio State's long nightmare is finally over.

No. 12 Miami bolsters CFP case with blowout win at No. 22 Pittsburgh

The No. 12 Miami Hurricanes gave the College Football Playoff selection committee something to think about.

Frank Ragnow update fits troubling 2025 Lions pattern

The Detroit Lions can't catch a break. 

Ole Miss makes it harder for Lane Kiffin to leave with Egg Bowl win

If Kiffin is split over where to coach in 2026, Ole Miss may have made his decision easier by making it harder to leave.

Steelers could take back command of AFC North with Aaron Rodgers returning in Week 13

The Pittsburgh Steelers' chances of regaining control of the AFC North increased on Friday.