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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

November 17, 2025 | NBA

Donovan Mitchell continues torrid start as Cavaliers beat Bucks

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell's red-hot start to the 2025-26 season continued Monday in a 118-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

November 17, 2025 | College Football

Assessing Lane Kiffin's 2026 coaching options after Ole Miss sets decision deadline

Ole Miss won't have to wait long for a resolution to its Lane Kiffin saga.

November 16, 2025 | NFL

Five worst Week 11 performances: Sam Darnold reverts to old self in critical NFC West showdown

Here are the five worst performances of Week 11 and what they might mean going forward.

November 15, 2025 | College Football

CFB Week 12 winners, losers: Oklahoma, Georgia appear formidable after statement Top 25 wins

Another week of the college football regular season is in the books, and with it, another round of our winners and losers. Here is the best and worst from Week 12.

November 15, 2025 | NFL

Why Patriots should stay afloat amid Milton Williams' IR stint

The New England Patriots will be without defensive tackle Milton Williams for their next four games, although it might be hard to tell.

November 15, 2025 | Indiana Hoosiers

Incredible Fernando Mendoza may have sealed Heisman with near-flawless performance against Wisconsin

Mendoza has an iron-clad case for the 2025 Heisman Trophy after a near-flawless Week 12 performance.

November 15, 2025 | Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals 2025 first-round draft pick looking even worse after latest update

When the Bengals spent their first-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft on edge rusher Shemar Stewart, this likely isn't what they had in mind.

November 12, 2025 | Texas Longhorns

Arch Manning then and now: Midseason improvement gives No. 10 Texas hope

Buried following a brutal first half to the 2025 season, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has a chance to flip the narrative surrounding his first full year as a college starting quarterback.

November 11, 2025 | Miami Hurricanes

Wild ACC CFP scenario becomes more realistic after rankings reveal

The ACC has been the most unpredictable college football conference this season, but it might save its biggest twist for last.

November 11, 2025 | Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter's season-ending injury could have long-term consequences

Hunter recently underwent season-ending surgery, removing the possibility of a 2025 return.

November 11, 2025 | Dallas Mavericks

Nico Harrison damage won't be easy to undo for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks addressed the root of their problem on Tuesday by firing embattled general manager Nico Harrison, but the damage he wreaked will be hard for the next front office leader to undo.

November 10, 2025 | NFL

'MNF' takeaways: Defenses steal the show in Eagles win

The Philadelphia Eagles outlasted the Green Bay Packers in a defensive "Monday Night Football" battle between NFC heavyweights. Here are our initial takeaways from the 10-7 Eagles win.

November 10, 2025 | Athletics

Promising young Athletics core recognized in AL ROY vote

After a couple of years at rock bottom, the Athletics are finally trending up.

November 10, 2025 | Connecticut Huskies

No. 3 UConn men are firing on all cylinders early in the season

The Associated Press No. 3 Connecticut Huskies aced their final tune-up before heading into a pivotal early-season stretch.

November 9, 2025 | New Orleans Saints

Saints QB Tyler Shough makes statement in second career start

The New Orleans Saints may have found their next franchise quarterback.

November 9, 2025 | NFL

Five worst Week 10 performances: Young quarterbacks experience growing pains

We take a closer look at each rough performance, plus a truly horrific late-afternoon window.

November 8, 2025 | College Football

CFB Week 11 winners, losers: Indiana, Texas A&M playoff-ready after big wins

Between statement Top 25 wins, surprising upsets and thrillers in Nashville and Happy Valley, here are Week 11's winners and losers.

November 8, 2025 | Syracuse Orange

Carmelo Anthony's son Kiyan crushes first collegiate start at Syracuse

Over two decades after Carmelo Anthony led the Syracuse Orange to the only men's college basketball national title in program history, his son, Kiyan Anthony, had a strong first start for Syracuse in a win over Delaware State.