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

Heisman finalist unexpectedly opts out of Senior Bowl hours before kickoff

NFL scouts received a decent look at the Heisman finalist, so much so that the quarterback has opted out of Saturday's game.

Ranking the 2024 NFL head-coaching hires

Some NFL teams knocked their head-coaching hires out of the park. Others, not so much.

NCAA reveals details of former Alabama baseball coach's cheating scandal

On Thursday, the NCAA revealed the details of the cheating scandal involving former Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon, who was fired by the university in May 2023.

Packers' defensive coordinator hiring is a bad omen for college football

It could create a vicious cycle at the Group of Five programs, where turnover becomes rampant as the grind of doing everything besides coaching takes its toll.

Why Seahawks' HC decision could help them close NFC West gap

The Seahawks couldn't beat the 49ers or Rams this season, so they went out and got someone who did.

Bengals director of player personnel's comments suggest team could be outbid on WR Tee Higgins

Wide receiver Tee Higgins will be one of the most sought-after players during 2024 free agency, perhaps no more so than in Cincinnati.

Texans to retain key staff members, taking potential HC candidates off the board

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik isn't going anywhere. Neither is QB coach Jerrod Johnson.

Addition of Colts QB to Pro Bowl roster shows why event should be abolished

What do you call a QB who ranked 21st in TDs, 23rd in passer rating and 26th in completion percentage?  If "Pro Bowler" isn't on your list, the NFL thinks you're wrong.

Watch: Michigan WR Roman Wilson an early star at Reese's Senior Bowl

Fresh off a national championship, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson is still winning.

NCAA investigation into Tennessee could have major ramifications

Tennessee is once again under an NCAA investigation, and this time the Volunteers might not get off so easy.

AFC Championship Game sets viewership record

Sunday's clash between the Chiefs and Ravens was the most watched AFC Championship Game in history.

Texas suffers tough home overtime loss to No. 4 Houston

The Longhorns are down; unless they get things together soon, they might be out, too.

Eight players to watch at the Reese's Senior Bowl

Quarterbacks Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. are the biggest names in attendance, but they are by no means the only ones worth paying attention to this week in Mobile. Here are eight players we're most excited to see.

Watch: Ben Simmons almost tallies triple-double in Nets return

Ben Simmons looked better than he had in years when he returned to the Nets on Monday night.

No. 9 LSU drops second consecutive game in shocking loss to Mississippi State

Defending national champion LSU is having a rough week.

Watch: Hype video shows Shohei Ohtani working out at Dodger Stadium

On Monday, the Dodgers provided a teaser of what's to come later this year.

Don't take LeBron James and Stephen Curry for granted

LeBron James and Stephen Curry put on a show on Saturday night in the Lakers' 145-144 double-overtime win. 

Falcons score a massive win with new offensive coordinator hire

New Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris got his guy.

Lions make decision on Zach Ertz's status for NFC title game

A Super Bowl winner with the Eagles in 2017-18, Ertz had 27 receptions, 187 yards and a touchdown this season.

Latest Chiefs injury update puts spotlight on rookie WR in AFC Championship Game

For the second year in a row, the Chiefs need a rookie, this time wide receiver Rashee Rice, to step up if they're going to make the Super Bowl.

Watch: Aryna Sabalenka becomes first woman in over a decade to achieve Australian Open feat

For the first time since 2012-13, the Australian Open has a repeat women's singles champion.

Jets RB shares classy message after being snubbed for NFL award

Hall has an entire offseason to use the snub as motivation so that it doesn't happen again.

Falcons' coaching search could cause Saints to lose out on another OC candidate

The Saints need an offensive coordinator, but their division rival Falcons could help take a candidate off the board.

New Panthers HC has uphill climb to get most out of QB Bryce Young

Over the past two seasons, newly hired Panthers head coach Dave Canales has resurrected the careers of quarterbacks Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. Now comes his hardest task yet: reviving an entire franchise.