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

Watch: Fourth-down TD continues unreal start for LSU's Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers

LSU's dynamic duo of quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers capped a dominant start to SEC play with a huge touchdown on a fourth-and-7.

Watch: Lee Corso receives moving ESPN tribute ahead of 400th headgear pick

ESPN celebrated college football legend Lee Corso on Saturday with a moving tribute to his iconic "College Gameday" headgear picks ahead of his 400th selection.

Aaron Rodgers breaks silence after undergoing surgery

The first hurdle is past Rodgers as he gets ready for the start of the 2024 season.

Desmond Ridder's comments highlight poor Falcons draft strategy

The Atlanta Falcons passing game is built out of red flags and an apparent lack of trust in QB Desmond Ridder.

Five CFB games to watch in Week 3: A classic SEC East rivalry, 'Prime Time' in prime time

No ranked-vs.-ranked games in Week 3? No problem. Here are five games worth checking out this weekend.

Colorado State coach Jay Norvell blasted for cringe-worthy smack talk directed at Deion Sanders

Norvell criticized Sanders for wearing sunglasses and a hat during an ESPN interview, saying, "When I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat and glasses off, that's what my mother taught me."

Joe Burrow changes look after ugly Week 1 performance

The Bengals offense needs to look a lot different than it did against Cleveland, and in that case, Burrow's off to a good start.

Revised practice squad rule in 2024 next step in NFL's methodical global expansion

Broadening the pool of who is considered an international player should help drive engagement overseas as the sport attempts to take over the world.

NFLPA executive director demands league take action on playing surfaces

The debate about the use of artificial fields — a concern raised by players in the past — was renewed after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles 75 seconds into the 2023 season on MetLife Stadium's synthetic field.

'TNF' preview: Why Eagles WRs could put up huge numbers vs. Vikings

The Vikings aim to avoid an 0-2 start while the Eagles hope to play a full 60 minutes when the teams meet on "Thursday Night Football" in Philadelphia. Here's what to watch.

Journalist's lawsuit contains explosive allegations against two NFL owners

Longtime journalist Jim Trotter's retaliation lawsuit filed against the NFL includes explosive allegations against NFL owners Jerry Jones and Terry Pegula.

Sportsbooks aren't buying Rams revival ahead of tough matchup with 49ers

The Rams were one of the biggest surprises of Week 1, but sportsbooks weren't so impressed.

Embarrassing Monday night loss highlights why Buffalo should trade for Jonathan Taylor

Buffalo's 22-16 overtime loss to New York on Monday night highlighted its limitations. The Bills will go as far as Josh Allen will, and it's time to realize he's far too turnover-prone to trust completely.

Patrick Mahomes clarifies comments on Aaron Rodgers after Jets QB suffers potentially serious injury

The comma became the most valuable punctuation for 2022 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes on Monday after Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an ankle injury four plays into his season.

Mel Kiper Jr. declares Shedeur Sanders the No. 1 QB in 2025 NFL Draft

Shedeur Sanders has played himself into the 2024 NFL Draft conversation but according to one draft expert, he could be the headliner in 2025 if he decides to stay at Colorado.

Which teams are impacted most by potential new NBA rule?

The NBA's projected rule to limit teams from resting multiple stars is a welcome development for fans, but which teams will it impact the most?

NFC South stock up, down: Derek Carr's big day, Drake London's vanishing act and more

Atlanta's two-headed monster in the backfield and Tampa Bay's opportunistic defense were positives in Week 1, but the Panthers wide receivers and Saints offensive line raised concerns. Here's whose stock is up and down in the NFC South.

Lamar Jackson critical of his performance in Week 1 win over Texans

Were you underwhelmed by Lamar Jackson's Week 1 performance? You aren't alone.

Watch: Bijan Robinson scores first NFL touchdown in epic fashion

Bijan Robinson didn't waste any time delivering on his potential.

Alabama's problems run deeper than at quarterback

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe received a decent portion of the criticism after the Tide fell 34-24 at home to Texas on Saturday. But Alabama's problems run much deeper than at quarterback.

Colts set to start seventh different QB in past seven season openers

When Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson starts in Week 1, he'll become the seventh different quarterback to open the season as the starter in Indianapolis in the past seven seasons.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker under sexual harassment investigation

Mel Tucker has been a major disappointment for Michigan State since he landed a massive contract extension in 2021. Yet as bad as the Spartans have been, a troubling report emerged overnight that suggests Tucker has no business being a head coach for reasons far greater than football.

Winners and losers for Week 2 of the college football season

Texas and Washington State made huge statements while Jimbo Fisher and Jeff Sims might need to plot exit strategies. Here are the biggest winners and losers of college football's Week 2.

Justin Jefferson's contract stalemate with Vikings should work to WR's benefit

Justin Jefferson's proven to be a hard man to lock down on the football field. It turns out that he's also hard to lock down off of it, too.

Bart Scott's Kenny Pickett-Brock Purdy comments aren't as outlandish as they seem

Second-year quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy meet for the first time in Week 1. Despite Purdy having the early edge in his career, ESPN's Bart Scott is siding with Pickett as the better quarterback.