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

Vanderbilt prepared to keep 2025 momentum going with Clark Lea extension, QB pursuit

The Vanderbilt Commodores took an important step on Friday to remain an SEC and College Football Playoff contender next season, and another could soon follow.

Chiefs-Cowboys takeaways: Kansas City's season on life support following Thanksgiving loss

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-28, in what may have been the most watched regular-season game in NFL history. Here's our rapid reaction to a Thanksgiving classic.

Four-time Pro Bowler's un-retirement a major boost to ravaged Lions OL

A familiar face is coming back to save the Detroit Lions offensive line. Per multiple reports, center Frank Ragnow is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Lions for the stretch run.

Eagles in danger of missing key playmaker for Black Friday showdown vs. Bears

A Philadelphia Eagles offense searching for a pulse could be without one of its top playmakers for a pivotal Week 13 NFC showdown. 

Colorado State makes big hire ahead of Pac-12 move

Fortunes can change fast in this era of college football, and the Rams just took a massive step in altering theirs.

North Texas HC Eric Morris accepts Oklahoma State job offer while competing for CFP bid

North Texas is two wins away from a possible College Football Playoff berth, but head coach Eric Morris is already thinking about 2026.

Saints avoid self-inflicted wound with kicking competition decision

The Saints desperately needed to make a change at kicker after Blake Grupe missed two kicks under 50 yards in a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Heisman candidates receive boost after Maxwell Award finalists named

Three Heisman Trophy contenders may have moved closer to securing an invite to this year's ceremony.

From A.J. Brown to Joe Burrow: 32 NFL players who need a change of scenery for the 2026 season

The NFL playoff picture is tightening, and with it comes a clearer view of which players around the league may benefit from a change of scenery.

'MNF' takeaways: 49ers defeat Panthers in snoozefest

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 8-4 with an ugly 20-9 win over the not-ready-for-primetime Carolina Panthers (6-6) to cap Week 12.

Brandon Ingram's big game shows Raptors have truly arrived

The Toronto Raptors are ready to contend in the Eastern Conference.

LSU only hurting itself with prolonged Brian Kelly battle

LSU's dispute with former head coach Brian Kelly is potentially costing it millions.

Seton Hall's statement win halts Top 25 domination to start 2025-26 season

The men's college basketball season had been all chalk entering Monday, but not anymore.

Five worst Week 12 performances: Vikings have huge QB mess after loss to Packers

Thanksgiving is this Thursday, but some in the NFL might find it difficult to get in the holiday spirit after awful Week 12 performances. Here are the five worst from Sunday's action.

CFB Week 13 winners, losers: Notre Dame runs wild, Georgia Tech runs out of steam

The penultimate week of the 2025 college football regular season is in the books. From Notre Dame's statement win to Georgia Tech's stunning collapse, here are Week 13's winners and losers.

James Harden's historic performance gives Clippers something to celebrate

The Los Angeles Clippers have had a rough start to the 2025-26 season, but James Harden finally gave them something to celebrate on Saturday.

ACC Championship Game could be for battle for third place

Instead of the ACC Championship Game pitting the conference's top two teams against each other, it could be a battle for third place.

Chris Paul’s final chapter? Why Clippers castoff is still a Hall of Fame lock

If Chris Paul has played his final NBA game, his career ended with a whimper rather than the bang it deserved. Early Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers announced they are "parting ways" with the 11-time All-Star, who had announced in late November that he planned to retire at season's end. 

Five under-the-radar NFL players set to earn significant raises in 2026

The 2025 season has already been lucrative for some players on expiring contracts. Here are five non-quarterbacks set to earn significant pay increases this offseason.

Bears have major concern heading into Steelers Week 12 showdown

The Chicago Bears have a potential problem heading into Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4).

Michael Penix Jr.'s partially torn ACL complicates Falcons' future

A season that began with hope has slowly morphed into another nightmare for Atlanta.

The Big Five: Most dangerous teams currently outside the playoff picture

With just a week until Thanksgiving, the NFL playoff picture is beginning to take shape. But seven weeks remain in the regular season, giving teams on the outside looking in time to turn things around. Here are five teams that current playoff clubs hope remain on the outside looking in.

Five things we're liking in the 2025-26 women's college basketball season so far

The 2025-26 college basketball season might just be getting started, but certain things have already grabbed our attention. Here are five things we're liking in the women's game through the season's first two weeks.

'MNF' takeaways: Cowboys' acquisition pays immediate dividends in rout over Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1) capped Week 11 with an emphatic 33-16 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8).