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

January 8, 2024 | Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies hit with a devastating injury update for star Ja Morant

Ja Morant's season is over. On Monday, the Grizzlies announced Morant, who recently returned from a 25-game suspension, will undergo season-ending labrum surgery.

January 8, 2024 | Michigan Wolverines

Watch: Michigan RB Donovan Edwards scores two long TDs in first quarter of CFP title game

2022 Donovan Edwards has entered the chat.

January 8, 2024 | New Orleans Saints

Report: Former Raiders, Bucs HC Jon Gruden a candidate for role on Saints staff

The Saints are expected to retain head coach Dennis Allen, but that doesn't mean New Orleans is running it back in 2024.

January 8, 2024 | NFL

2024 NFL free-agency primer: 10 best players available

NFL free agency doesn't officially begin until the start of the 2024 league year on March 13 at 4 p.m. E.T. However, with the offseason here for 18 of the league's 32 franchises, it's the perfect time to begin assessing the upcoming crop of free agents.

January 8, 2024 | New England Patriots

Bill Belichick comments on potential changes in New England

A change is coming to New England, with or without Bill Belichick.

January 7, 2024 | NFL

Rams win sets up Matthew Stafford for Detroit return in wild-card round

The NFL scriptwriters hit this one out of the park. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is headed back to Detroit for a wild-card round game against the Lions next weekend.

January 7, 2024 | Atlanta Falcons

Watch: Falcons HC Arthur Smith left fuming after Saints score garbage-time touchdown in 48-17 rout

If Week 18 turns out to be Arthur Smith's final game as Atlanta Falcons head coach, it will be remembered more for his postgame confrontation with New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen than anything else.

January 7, 2024 | NFL

Watch: Saints WR Chris Olave makes absurd TD catch against Falcons

Chris Olave saved his best for last.

January 7, 2024 | College Football

Three reasons why Washington can win the CFP championship game

What do Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies have to do to defeat Michigan?

January 7, 2024 | College Football

Three reasons why Michigan can win the CFP national championship game

Here are three reasons why Michigan (14-0) can beat Washington (14-0) in a battle of unbeatens.

January 6, 2024 | Kansas Jayhawks

Watch: Kansas survives TCU's upset bid with late bucket by Hunter Dickinson

Hunter Dickinson is right at home in Kansas.

January 6, 2024 | North Carolina Tar Heels

UNC continues redemption tour with massive conference win over Clemson

It took a yearlong detour, but North Carolina is a contender again.

January 6, 2024 | Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks announce terrible Connor Bedard injury news

Bedard's injury is a significant blow to the Blackhawks.

January 6, 2024 | NFL

Two bottom-feeders reportedly interested in Bill Belichick for HC job

Let the bidding war begin.

January 6, 2024 | Dallas Cowboys

NFL insider: Cowboys' Mike McCarthy likely needs deep postseason run to keep job

It might be Super Bowl or bust for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy this season.

January 4, 2024 | Carolina Panthers

NFLPA survey a reminder of how badly Panthers botched their last coaching search

NFL players spoke. Maybe this time the Panthers will listen.

January 4, 2024 | College Football

Potential LSU offensive and defensive coordinator candidates

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is entering a pivotal third offseason in Baton Rouge. Not only must he replace 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and talented wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, but Kelly must also hire two coordinators to lead the Tigers in 2024.