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

Caleb Downs' decision reveals Alabama's harsh new reality

Alabama is discovering how the rest of the college football world lives. 

Pascal Siakam trade turns Pacers from fun to scary

Look out for the Pacers. Already one of the most fun teams in the league, their addition of forward Pascal Siakam makes them downright scary.

Saints fire longtime offensive coordinator in massive staff shakeup

The Saints offense is going to look different in 2024.

Super Wild Card Weekend could be a sign of things to come

Good news for people who love bad football: the multiple blowouts during Super Wild Card Weekend could be a sign of things to come.

Takeaways from the Buccaneers' drubbing over the Eagles

The Buccaneers closed out Super Wild Card Weekend with an emphatic 32-9 win over the Eagles on Monday night. Here are our takeaways from Tampa Bay's dominant performance.

Watch: Bucs add 56-yard touchdown to break open wild-card game

Just as it looked like the Eagles were about to make Monday night's game competitive, the Buccaneers broke it wide open.

Watch: Bucs get offense going early with 44-yard touchdown

The Eagles' rough end to the regular season carried over to the playoffs.

Watch: Josh Allen scores TD on electrifying 52-yard run

Josh Allen's second-quarter touchdown run capped a brilliant first half for the Bills quarterback.

Report: Ohio State targeting AD who signed Jimbo Fisher to massive extension

Losing a university $95M would be a fireable offense for some. For Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork, it could lead to a promotion.

Texans wild-card win showed how they fleeced two teams in blockbuster deals

The Cleveland Browns weren't the only team reeling after their 45-14 Super Wild Card Weekend loss to the Texans. They can commiserate with the Arizona Cardinals.

Watch: Texans TE Brevin Jordan turns on jets for score in wild first half

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan was the fastest player during the first half of the Browns-Texans track meet.

No. 6 Kentucky's loss to Texas A&M completes wild week of CBB upsets

March Madness technically doesn't start for another two months, but we're getting something of a sneak peak this week.

NFL makes responsible decision on Steelers-Bills wild-card game

Per the National Weather Service, the Buffalo area is in a winter storm warning and can expect as much as three feet of snow.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown ruled out for wild-card matchup against Bucs

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been ruled out for the team’s Super Wild Card Weekend showdown with the Buccaneers on Monday night.

Major changes could come to Raiders if Antonio Pierce isn't named head coach

Many dominoes could fall in Las Vegas if Pierce isn't named head coach.

Oregon breathes sigh of relief with head coach Dan Lanning remaining

Dan Lanning isn't going anywhere. Oregon's head coach was quickly named a top candidate for Alabama's head coaching job, which opened up on Wednesday with Nick Saban's surprising retirement.

Three reasons why Bill Belichick isn’t what the Falcons need

While Belichick would certainly be a splashy hire, it isn't the direction the Falcons should go.

Coaching legend Nick Saban retires, putting Alabama's future in question

Following a legend is never easy. Alabama is about to find out how difficult it is.

Why the Falcons, Broncos and three other teams should trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft

Here are five teams that should consider trading up before April's draft.

Latest round of mock drafts suggest Bears will start over at quarterback

Where will Justin Fields play in 2024? According to the latest mock drafts from ESPN and Pro Football Focus, it won't be in Chicago.

Most impactful 2024 transfer portal additions

With the season officially over, here's an early look at top transfer portal additions who will make an impact in 2024.

Fired Jaguars coach rips team on way out the door: 'The problems are staying'

The Jaguars made numerous coaching staff changes on Monday, and one departing coach isn't staying silent. 

Takeaways from Michigan's national championship victory over Washington

For the first time in program history, Michigan is 15-0. The Wolverines capped a perfect season with a resounding 34-13 win over Washington in the College Football Playoff national championship game.