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

Oregon State loses head coach to Big Ten

The Spartans made an excellent hire that should quickly erase the stench of the Mel Tucker era. For Oregon State, Jonathan Smith's departure could make the Big Ten the school's biggest rival.

Watch: RB Blake Corum sets Michigan record vs. Ohio State

Corum scored from inside the 1-yard line on a 4th-and-goal, giving him 21 rushing touchdowns this season, a school record.

Watch: ESPN analyst Desmond Howard calls out reporter Pete Thamel, gets blasted online

ESPN analyst Desmond Howard was ripped after he criticized reporter Pete Thamel.

Texas A&M might have a close eye on Michigan-Ohio State

Is a new "Day" fast approaching for Texas A&M?

Big 12's worst-case scenario can still unfold

A nightmare scenario could be on the table for Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark.

TCU's 2023 ended exactly how it began

2023 was a year to forget for TCU.

Loss to Dolphins should put potential Aaron Rodgers return to rest for Jets

It would take a Hail Mary for Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return from a torn Achilles this season.

Five CFB games to watch: Ohio State-Michigan winner can book its ticket to CFP semifinal

The final week of the regular season is headlined by another meeting between undefeated Ohio State and unbeaten Michigan, but that's not the only game worth watching this holiday weekend.

Colts owner Jim Irsay throws gasoline on 'First Take' fire in bizarre rant

Jim Irsay couldn't control himself, this time in an unhinged spew of social media posts.

Saints injury report update a step in right direction for Derek Carr

Saints quarterback Derek Carr remains in concussion protocol but is trending toward playing in Week 12 after being a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

Texas A&M AD reveals program's different approach to finding next head coach

The clock is ticking for Texas A&M to find its next head coach.

Bengals quarterback Jake Browning's comments leave no margin for error in Week 12

The Bengals have no excuses. Quarterback Jake Browning, thrust into a starting role after a season-ending wrist injury to Joe Burrow, set the expectation high for Cincinnati in Week 12.

The NBA's in-season tournament is a success

As Pacers-Hawks and Cavaliers-76ers reached their dizzying conclusions on Tuesday night, one thing became clear: the NBA's in-season tournament is a rousing success.

10 Turkey Day nuggets on Thursday's NFL games

The Lions, Cowboys and 49ers are significant favorites in the NFL's Thanksgiving action.

NFC South Week 12 predictions: Expect a logjam atop the division

The Saints have an opportunity to distance themselves from the rest of the pack with a win against the Falcons, whose season might be on the line. The Panthers aim for the elusive win No. 2 of the Frank Reich era while the Bucs try to keep their hopes alive for a third consecutive division crown.

'MNF' takeaways: Chiefs, Eagles have offensive questions after Super Bowl rematch

The Eagles got a measure of revenge against the Chiefs in a 21-17 win on Monday night following their 38-35 defeat in Super Bowl LVII.

Watch: Safety Kevin Byard records first interception as Eagle in end zone to stop Chiefs drive

Eagles safety Kevin Byard chose one heck of a time to snag his first interception as an Eagle.

USMNT Sergino Dest ripped after receiving unnecessary red card

United States Men's National Team (USMNT) starting right back Sergino Dest was blasted online.

The Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers has already failed spectacularly in one way

The Jets had two goals when trading for Aaron Rodgers, but after the team benched Zach Wilson on Monday for the even less appealing Tim Boyle, one can already be scratched off the list.

Winners and losers from Week 12 of the college football season

Is USC HC Lincoln Riley the West Coast version of Jimbo Fisher? Dissecting the winners and losers from Week 12 of the college football season.

Watch: Oregon offense explodes as Bo Nix solidifies himself as Heisman frontrunner

Oregon QB Bo Nix's first-half performance on Saturday figures to haunt Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham for the rest of his days.

Notre Dame's renewed media rights deal will keep team independent for foreseeable future

Notre Dame will be able to sit out the ever-spinning conference realignment carousel through at least 2029 thanks to their renewed media rights deal with NBC.

Tiger Woods makes major announcement

Tiger Woods is gearing up for another comeback. On Saturday, the 15-time major champion announced he'll compete at the Hero World Challenge Nov. 30-Dec.

Latest development in Michigan sign-stealing saga a reminder of who controls college football

Their power has grown in the era of NIL deals, with collectives funded by boosters helping secure commitments from recruits.

Colorado, Deion Sanders are on right path despite rough finish to the season

Instead of fighting to get its head above water, Colorado will attempt to build on the foundation set this season.