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

Garrett Wilson shares thoughts on Jets trade-deadline acquisition

Amid the rubble of the New York Jets' trade-deadline fire sale, Wilson believes the team may have found a gem.

Why Week 10 would be the perfect time for Browns QB Shedeur Sanders to make NFL debut 

The Browns would be doing themselves a disservice by not finally seeing what he has to offer.

Pelicans rookie commanding more playing time following second win in two nights

Following a dismal start to the 2025-26 season, the rookie center has given his team a glimmer of hope.

2025 NFL awards watch: Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s MVP case highlights midseason picks

With the 2025 NFL season at its midpoint, it's the perfect time to take stock of the leading candidates for this year's top individual awards. Here are five midseason picks for this year's biggest individual honors — including MVP.

NFL trade-deadline grades: Cowboys make moves, but how much better are they really?

The 2025 NFL trade deadline saw a flurry of activity, and we're here to digest the day's biggest trades. Below are our grades from moves by the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and more.

'MNF' takeaways: Cowboys blow chance to remain in playoff hunt as Cardinals snap skid

The Arizona Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak in the final game of Week 9, defeating the Dallas Cowboys, 27-17, on "Monday Night Football."

Standout transfers from first day of 2025-26 men's college basketball regular season

The 2025-26 college basketball season began on Monday, and among the staggering 2,631 players who entered the transfer portal this offseason, only a select few had an instant impact. 

Ravens acquire edge-rusher to further bolster attempted second-half surge

The Baltimore Ravens still have plenty of work to do to make up for their rough start to the 2025 season, but thanks to an aggressive front office, they might have a chance.

Braves stick to status quo in naming next manager

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves were due for a shake-up. But the team's decision-makers have other ideas.

Five worst Week 9 performances: Patrick Mahomes flops in heavyweight Chiefs-Bills showdown

The razor-thin margin between losing and winning magnified the significance of this week's worst performances.

CFB Week 10 winners, losers: November opens with big showdowns

November began with a bang, as top 10 upsets and tight top 25 showdowns defined the day of college football action. Here are Week 10's winners and losers.

November misery continues for No. 10 Miami under Mario Cristobal with upset loss at SMU

It often isn't how a team starts but how it finishes in college football that's most important. And once again, during the Mario Cristobal era, the Miami Hurricanes are only getting worse as the season progresses.

Ja Morant suspension could be beginning of the end of guard's Grizzlies run

Perhaps the suspension will be a wake-up call for Morant, but it could just as easily fracture an already-fraught relationship. 

Arch Manning hitting stride at right time for surging No. 20 Texas

It took a while, but Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is starting to look like the five-star talent he was expected to be.

Five NFL teams that need to make moves the most before 2025 trade deadline

With the majority of the league's teams still hopeful for a playoff run, one move could be the difference from a disappointing end to the season and playing deep into January. Here are five teams that need to make a move the most.

Why Penn State should root for an early end to Texas A&M's season

Penn State might be playing extra close attention to Texas A&M the rest of the 2025 season.

Three wild quotes from Louisiana governor Jeff Landry that could wreck LSU head-coaching search

For three days, the LSU Tigers had the most appealing head-coaching opening in college football. That changed Wednesday, when first-term Louisiana governor Jeff Landry (R) opened his mouth.

Commanders' star-crossed season continues with Terry McLaurin ruled out vs. Seahawks

The stars aren't aligning for the Washington Commanders in 2025. 

10 NFL trade targets: Who the Cowboys, Steelers and others could add before the 2025 deadline

The NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4, 4 p.m. ET) is less than a week away. Here are 10 players who could be on the move — and where they might land. 

Insider reveals Cam Skattebo recovery timeline after awful injury

Giants running back Cam Skattebo suffered a gruesome leg injury in Week 8, but a recent update reveals that, all things considered, it could have been much worse.

Mavericks battling competing timelines with Cooper Flagg benching

On one hand, they have a veteran core that should be a playoff contender. On the other is a team building toward a future with Flagg as its star.

'MNF' takeaways: Stout defensive effort leads Chiefs to decisive win over Commanders

The Kansas City Chiefs remained hot with their fifth win in six games, defeating the Washington Commanders, 28-7, on "Monday Night Football."

Patrick Surtain injury could bolster another Broncos' DPOY case

On Monday, ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold shared that Surtain, the 2024 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, is likely to miss multiple weeks after suffering a pectoral strain in Week 8's 44-22 win over the Cowboys.

Lamar Jackson return could prompt big second half from Ravens

Jackson is coming back at the right time.