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

Blowout loss to Texas Tech a concerning sign for Kansas in the NCAA Tournament

The result revealed a glaring issue for Kansas, one that could sink its NCAA Tournament hopes.

Watch: Knicks lose on controversial foul with less than a second remaining

An excellent Knicks-Rockets game on Monday night was undone by a controversial foul call on Knicks guard Jalen Brunson with 0.3 seconds remaining.

Watch: Victor Wembanyama records first 10-block game against Raptors

Victor Wembanyama has lived up to the hype during his rookie season. 

Former No. 2 overall pick cut by Steelers after two seasons

The Steelers elected to part ways with Mitch Trubisky on Monday.

The best and worst of Super Bowl LVIII

A dynasty is born. Super Bowl LVIII lived up to the hype as the Chiefs won an overtime thriller, 25-22, in the longest game in Super Bowl history. Here is the best and worst of the big game, which gave Kansas City its third Super Bowl victory in five seasons.

Watch: 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffers Achilles injury running onto field

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a bizarre injury during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII.

Watch: Christian McCaffrey fumble ends promising 49ers opening drive

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey fumbled to kill the momentum of his team's opening drive in Super Bowl LVIII

Dominant win keeps UConn hot at the right time

Associated Press No. 1 UConn played one of its best games of the season on Saturday against lowly Georgetown.

Is Arch Manning Horns Up or Horns Down? Uncle Eli addresses transfer portal buzz

Arch Manning is gearing up for his second season as Texas' backup QB, which has led some to suggest he could entertain entering the transfer portal.

Kalen DeBoer takes first hit as Alabama head coach with Ryan Grubb's departure

Kalen DeBoer took his first hit as Alabama head coach on Friday night when it was revealed offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who followed him to Tuscaloosa from Washington, accepted the Seahawks offensive coordinator opening.

Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII preview: Top players, matchups to watch

After a two-week build-up, Super Bowl LVIII is nearly here. Here's what to watch for.

Commanders add to underwhelming offseason with latest coaching staff hire

The Commanders continued their underwhelming offseason on Thursday by adding a former offensive coordinator to their coaching staff.

Nick Saban headed to 'College Gameday' as college football analyst

Nick Saban could be coming to your city in 2024. The retired, seven-time national championship-winning coach will be part of the 2024 college football season, it was announced on Wednesday.

Baker Mayfield on Mike Evans influencing free-agency decision: 'Hell yeah'

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off his best NFL season, and wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the main reasons why.

Top tight end prospect names surprising team as desired destination

Brock Bowers, the best college football tight end for the past two seasons, gave a surprising answer when asked what team he hoped to be drafted by.

Alabama the biggest winner of a quiet National Signing Day

National Signing Day arrived without much fanfare on Wednesday, but that won't stop a few teams from celebrating. Among those programs, Alabama will likely cheer the loudest.

Five NFL players who should get the call to the Hall of Fame on Thursday

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 will be announced on Thursday night during the "NFL Honors" ceremony. Here are five players who should get the call.

Dodgers bring back three-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw is staying with the Dodgers, but the 10-time All-Star will wait to make his 2024 debut.

Kansas State HC Jerome Tang improves OT record with upset over No. 4 Kansas

Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang improved to a remarkable 11-0 in overtime games on Monday night as the Wildcats upset in-state rival Kansas at home, 75-70.

Watch: Brandon Ingram hits five consecutive threes as Pelicans rout Raptors

Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram put on an absurd shooting performance on Monday night during New Orleans' 138-100 romp over the Raptors.

Watch: Donovan Mitchell strengthens MVP case as Cavaliers continue hot stretch

The Cavaliers continued their exceptional run on Monday with a 136-110 home win over the Kings, and guard Donovan Mitchell led the way. 

Virginia holds Miami to 38 points in statement conference win

On Monday night, Virginia rode its dominant defense to an impressive 60-38 win over Miami, improving its resume for the NCAA Tournament.

NFL continues Friday night push with Eagles set to play in Brazil in Week 1 of 2024

The NFL will continue its quest to take over the nightly TV ratings in 2024. 

Cowboys interviewing former assistant for open defensive coordinator position

The Cowboys could turn to a familiar face as their next defensive coordinator.

Lions OC Ben Johnson, Commanders take shots at each other through the media

Instead of either gaining the upper hand, both sides look bad.