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

Examining best landing spots for James Franklin following Penn State exit

The former Penn State head coach began his media rehabilitation tour on Saturday with a softball interview on ESPN's "College GameDay," and he shared he plans to return to coaching.

Curt Cignetti contract should keep Indiana relevant in Big Ten for foreseeable future

The gilded era of Indiana Hoosiers football is here to stay. 

2025 NFL trade deadline: One smart move every team should make

With a little more than half the season left, Yardbarker NFL writers pitch a trade each team should make before the deadline.  

Spencer Rattler shares thoughts on 2021 Oklahoma benching for Caleb Williams before Saints-Bears clash

Spencer Rattler discussed his time as teammates with Caleb Williams at Oklahoma, in particular his benching in 2021 for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner.

Why Panthers could soon have a running back problem

Chuba Hubbard's return to practice could complicate a burgeoning Carolina Panthers rushing attack.

Predicting top 2026 NFL Draft QBs becoming a futile exercise

Good luck figuring out this year's top NFL Draft quarterback prospects.

Spencer Rattler play could lead to tough Saints 2026 NFL Draft decision

As Spencer Rattler grows in comfort, seemingly on a weekly basis, it might force the New Orleans Saints to make a difficult decision this offseason.

Ranking five best college football head-coaching openings

The college football coaching carousel is already in full swing. As prospective candidates begin surveying their options, which current openings are the most attractive?

'MNF' takeaways: Bills defense a growing concern, Falcons' young stars deliver in prime time

The Atlanta Falcons' young stars delivered. The Buffalo Bills have an alarming problem.

Lions' Brian Branch suspension gives ailing Buccaneers massive Week 7 break

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch's suspension is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' gain.

Banged-up 49ers could soon see key player return

The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with several brutal injuries this season, but one key player might soon be returning.

Five worst Week 6 performances: Jets offense craters in embarrassing London showing

There were some awful performances in the NFL in Week 6.

Arch Manning salvages first season as starter with Red River Rivalry win

For at least one day, Manning lived up to the hype.

CFB Week 7 winners, losers: Top 25 showdowns reveal a lot

With another Saturday of college football action in the books, here's our winners and losers from an eventful Week 7.

Alabama QB Ty Simpson has Heisman moment in road win at No. 14 Missouri

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson had his Heisman moment against Associated Press No. 14 Missouri (5-1, 1-1 in SEC) on Saturday.

Five potential A.J. Brown trade destinations: These AFC playoff contenders make most sense

Is the clock ticking on wide receiver A.J. Brown's time with the Philadelphia Eagles? Some around the NFL think so. 

Which fringe contender has best chance of solidifying CFP claim in Week 7?

This weekend, three programs that entered the 2025 season as fringe playoff hopefuls can legitimize their status as contenders with statement Associated Press top-10 wins.

Five Week 7 Group of Five games to watch for CFP race

Here are five mid-major games to monitor in the CFP picture for Week 7.

Rare accolade shows Saints headed in right direction

For the first time in a long time, the New Orleans Saints have a future worth looking forward to.

The Big Five: NFL’s biggest surprises of the 2025 season — for better or worse

The 2025 NFL season has already produced unexpected plot twists, with projected playoff teams struggling and preseason afterthoughts becoming the talk of the town.

Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers can change their 2025 narratives in Week 7

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers entered the season as part of a hyped 2026 NFL Draft class, but neither has lived up to expectations.

Bengals' panic move won't stop downward spiral

The Bengals have lost three consecutive games by an average of 25.3 points per game.

Insider shares one offensive change Bears could implement following early bye

Currently last in the tough NFC North, the Bears still have an excellent opportunity to rise in the standings heading into the back half of the schedule.

'MNF' takeaways: It's time to take the Jaguars seriously

The Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the Kansas City Chiefs at home, 31-28, on "Monday Night Football" to cap Week 5. Here's our instant reaction.