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

Shohei Ohtani contract structure could lead to another massive addition for Dodgers

Already the winner of MLB free agency, the Dodgers might not be done. After adding Shohei Ohtani, coveted Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto could be next.

Watch: Bronny James emulates father with chase down block in USC debut

Bronny James made his USC debut on Sunday and delivered a defensive gem straight out of his father's playbook.

Perception of LSU changing with Jayden Daniels' Heisman win

LSU is a quarterback school. Jayden Daniels' Heisman win on Saturday night, the second for a Tigers quarterback since 2019, should change the perception of the program into one where a quarterback can thrive.

Shohei Ohtani officially confirms his new team, gets eye-popping megadeal

It's a win for neutral observers who will likely finally get the opportunity to watch Ohtani play meaningful October baseball.

Tennessee gets huge nonconference win against No. 20 Illinois

Tennessee notched its biggest win of the season on Saturday.

Watch: Bill Belichick dons headgear on 'College GameDay' for Army-Navy game pick

Bill Belichick is having the most fun he's had all season.

Oregon lands former Oklahoma, UCF QB

Oregon has its quarterback for 2024.

Surprising Big Ten program the favorite to land former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is potentially on the verge of making a big splash in the transfer portal.

Vintage LeBron James performance leads Lakers to blowout win in in-season tournament semifinals

King James scored 30 points in absurdly efficient fashion, requiring just 12 shots and 23 minutes to dismantle the New Orleans Pelicans.

Watch: Bailey Zappe's incredible first half continues with third touchdown

New England Patriots QB Bailey Zappe tossed three first-half touchdowns on "Thursday Night Football." The Pats had scored 13 points over their past three games combined.

Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers to in-season tournament finals

What happened in Vegas Thursday afternoon has been happening throughout the NBA this season.

Sean McDermott receives scrutiny for using absurd 9/11 analogy in 2019 meeting

A scathing expose revealed McDermott cited the 9/11 attacks in a team meeting.

Dolphins offensive tackle's extension rewards team, player with patience

A year ago, some would have argued Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson was a bust. My, how things have changed.

'TNF' preview: Look away! Patriots-Steelers will test your love for football

How much do you really like football? The New England Patriots (2-10) travel to Pittsburgh (7-5) to kick off Week 14 vs. the Steelers in one of the worst games on the 2023 schedule.

NFC South Week 14 predictions: Bucs try to pull even with Falcons for first

A pair of divisional games are on the Week 14 slate. Atlanta can put distance between itself and arguably its toughest competition for the division crown when it plays Tampa Bay, while Carolina might be getting New Orleans at the perfect time.

In-season tournament quarterfinal result a reminder of Pelicans' potential

The Pelicans used the quarterfinals of the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament to reintroduce themselves.

Two future Big Ten programs emerge as front-runners for top transfer portal QB

Dillon Gabriel is one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

Top under-the-radar players to know in the transfer portal

The transfer portal has no shortage of big names, including quarterbacks Kyle McCord (Ohio State), Riley Leonard (Duke) and Cam Ward (Washington State). Among the lesser-known names, here are nine to know.

'MNF' takeaways: Excellent backup play, Trevor Lawrence injury highlight Bengals-Jaguars

Cincinnati (6-6) pulled off a huge upset on Monday night as a 10-point underdog, winning 34-31 in overtime against Jacksonville (8-4) Here are three takeaways from an exciting game.

Watch: Bengals trick play backfires in worst way

The Bengals were the only ones that looked like fools on their trick play in the third quarter against the Jaguars on "Monday Night Football."

Tyrese Haliburton's 20-point triple-double propels Pacers to in-season tournament semis

Tyrese Haliburton's incredible season took another remarkable turn on Monday.

Former Notre Dame QB heading back to school to play different sport

Former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner is returning to South Bend, but this time, he's trading in his shoulder pads for a lacrosse stick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. joins Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. as Heisman finalist

The Heisman finalists are set, and the biggest surprise is how right voters got it.

The 12-team playoff won't fix college football

After the committee botched the final rankings, selecting neither the four best or most deserving teams, one response given by ESPN's Paul Finebaum and others was that with this being the last year of the four-team playoff, complaints are unnecessary. They are wrong.