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

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.

NFL coaching openings, ranked: Why Bears have most desirable current opening 

A look at the three current open head coach positions in the NFL, as well as three that could become open in short order.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer's CFP case rings hollow

Having failed to secure a spot in the 12-team CFP on the field, Alabama's Kalen DeBoer has been relegated to talking his way into the national championship picture.

Stars could align for Saints, Arch Manning in 2026 NFL Draft

With their present bleak, it's time for the Saints to plan for their future. If New Orleans peers far enough ahead, it might just see its next franchise quarterback.

NFL is being too lenient with Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension

On Tuesday, the league suspended Al-Shaair for three games for a dirty, cheap hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13, leaving the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft with a concussion.

'MNF' takeaways: Jerry Jeudy's historic game not enough as Broncos win wild one

The wild Week 13 finale between the Browns and Broncos featured 952 total yards, 47 first downs and six Jameis Winston touchdowns — four to Browns teammates and two to Broncos defenders. Here are five takeaways from Denver's 41-32 win.

Watch: Broncos, Browns trade haymakers with deep TD passes

"Monday Night Football" turned into a barnburner.

Watch: Jameis Winston pick-six gives Broncos breathing room on 'MNF'

The Broncos gained breathing room against the Browns with a game-changing pick-six on "Monday Night Football."

Injuries give 49ers' Brock Purdy chance to prove his worth

As 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy seeks a long-term contract extension, the next few weeks could be critical.

Bryce Young should be Panthers' starting QB next season

The Panthers owe it to themselves and Young to give him the keys to the offense in 2025.