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

Oilers should take Connor McDavid's advice after star forward breaks silence on three-game suspension

Oilers forward Connor McDavid might not agree with his league-imposed three-game suspension, but he's ready to put in the past. 

Jets turn home-run Aaron Glenn hire into a single with twist in GM search

As much as New York deserves praise for the hiring, naturally, the franchise's top brass couldn't let a good thing last.

Why Cowboys' coaching update should worry fans

Should Cowboys fans be worried about the team's coaching search?

Jaguars' spiraling HC search results in firing of GM Trent Baalke

On Wednesday, the Jaguars lost out on another top coaching candidate and fired their GM as a result.

Big Ten owns college football with second consecutive CFP win

Michigan and Ohio State are fierce rivals on the field, but together, they've put the Big Ten on top of the college football mountain.

Why Cooper Kupp should remain in L.A. amid uncertain Rams future

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp might have played his last game with the Rams, but that shouldn't mean he's played his final home game at SoFi Stadium.

Oilers, Canucks put on notice with Connor McDavid, Tyler Myers suspensions

The NHL put the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks on notice on Monday.

What Ben Johnson hire means for Bears, Lions: Why Chicago isn't in the clear yet after landing top coaching target

Johnson's hiring will have major ramifications in the NFC North, but what does it mean specifically for the Bears and Lions? Let's dive in and find out.

Rams-Eagles takeaways: Questionable coaching decisions nearly derail Philadelphia

Here are three takeaways from a divisional-round thriller that sets up an all-NFC East conference championship game between the Commanders and Eagles next Sunday.

Watch: Commanders, Lions trade haymakers in wild second quarter

Saturday's bonkers NFC divisional round game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions featured several twists, including one sequence that gave Washington a two-score lead, stunning the home crowd.

Texans-Chiefs takeaways: Kansas City can keep getting away with it

The Chiefs kicked off the NFL's divisional round with a 23-14 win over the Texans to advance to next Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Watch: Long Travis Kelce reception leads to Chiefs TD vs. Texans

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' connection with tight end Travis Kelce is as strong as ever.

Watch: Chiefs' opening kickoff return vs. Texans provides fireworks

A 63-yard punt return and fumble. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and sideline shoving match. The first play of the NFL’s divisional round nearly had everything.

Kansas State's bad NIL investment on display during ugly start in loss to Kansas

The Wildcats have been under immense pressure as the losses mount after the program spent considerable resources on the roster this offseason. 

Creighton notches significant resume-building win with road upset at UConn

Creighton bolstered its NCAA Tournament resume with a significant conference win against UConn on Saturday.

DePaul snaps unbelievable streak of ineptitude with road win vs. Georgetown

DePaul's nightmare is over. Georgetown's just started. On Friday, the Blue Demons beat the Hoyas, 73-68, for their first Big East win in nearly two years.

Unrivaled opening night takeaways: Upstart league is a slam dunk

Let's give Unrivaled co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart their flowers. The league is a hit.

Watch: Skylar Diggins-Smith drains three as Lunar Owls win inaugural Unrivaled game

Lunar Owls guard Skylar Diggins-Smith ended Unrivaled's inaugural game with a bang.

Jimmy Butler saga takes another twist with superstar's surprising announcement

It’s still fair to wonder how much longer the Heat will be able to stomach the off-court drama.

Watch: Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon scores twice in quick succession vs. Oilers

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon extended Colorado’s lead in its Western Conference showdown against the Oilers with two first-period goals in rapid succession.

Why AFC North playmaker and these four players need a change of scenery

Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is one of several players with an uncertain future ahead of the offseason. 

Watch: Mavericks robbed of potential win vs. Pelicans with missed goaltending call

The Mavericks got a raw deal on Wednesday night when officials missed a clear goaltending late in the fourth quarter of their 119-116 loss to the Pelicans.

Ranking potential quick NFL turnarounds: Why Myles Garrett's Browns confidence could be warranted

Here's our pre-free-agency ranking of teams with 2025 top five picks by likelihood of making the playoffs next season.

With draft decision, Quinn Ewers aims to take advantage of poor QB class

As perplexing as it seems, Quinn Ewers' draft decision could be wise.