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

Former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord's transfer portal journey takes unexpected turn

Kyle McCord isn't committing to Nebraska, after all.

Winners and losers from the first Saturday of bowl season

Winners and losers from the start of the most wonderful time of the year, the college football bowl season.

Overtime loss to Bengals causes big hit to Vikings' playoff chances

The Vikings' hopes of making the playoffs for the second year in a row took a massive hit on Saturday because of their crushing 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals.

Struggling Eagles secondary is about to get even worse

The Philadelphia Eagles may be 10-3 on the season, but that record is covering up for some significant defensive deficiencies, ones which are about to be exasperated by the sidelining of cornerback Darius Slay.

Watch: Bengals WR Tee Higgins makes unreal TD to tie game vs. Vikings

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made one of the best touchdowns of the season with an incredible individual effort in the closing minute against the Vikings on Saturday.

Watch: Ohio completes jump-pass TD to take commanding first-half lead in Myrtle Beach Bowl

Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro and running back Rickey Hunt are making the most of their time on the big stage.

Former SEC star quarterback set to succeed Michael Penix Jr. at Washington

By adding Rogers, Washington softens the blow from losing its 2023 Heisman runner-up next season.

Watch: Raiders cornerback Jack Jones makes sensational one-handed pick-six in 'TNF' rout

Even after the Las Vegas Raiders had long-distanced themselves from the Los Angeles Chargers on the scoreboard, they kept on the pressure.

Watch: Chargers off to embarrassing start with three first-half fumbles on 'Thursday Night Football'

The Los Angeles Chargers aren't even putting up enough fight to take leads they will later lose.

Brutal November schedule puts pressure on Florida early in 2024

Florida needs a hot start to its 2024 season.

Evaluating potential coaching destinations for Bill Belichick in 2024

One of the biggest stories of the NFL's offseason will be New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's future in New England or elsewhere.

'TNF' preview: Chargers turn to Easton Stick to swat away Raiders

Are you ready for some football? The Raiders (5-8) and Chargers (5-8) definitely aren't. Both are dealing with a rash of injuries, including at quarterback, edge-rusher, wide receiver and running back. Here's what to watch for in the kickoff of Week 15.

NFC South Week 15 predictions: Falcons, Saints get back to .500

The Falcons, Saints and Buccaneers are in a three-way tie for first entering Week 15, but that won't last.

Cardinals OC's comments hint at team's 2024 NFL Draft plans

The Cardinals are on track to have one of the top draft picks, which would put them in a position to reset at quarterback.

Mock draft suggests QBs could fly off the board during 2024 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks could fly off the board faster than ever during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Patriots OT seems to take shot at organization after QB is plucked off practice squad

The Baltimore Ravens snatched quarterback Malik Cunningham off New England's practice squad on Tuesday, and Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown took an apparent shot at his team on social media.

Most recent ESPN NFL mock draft suggests drastic change at quarterback for the Giants

The Tommy DeVito mania sweeping through New York might be short-lived.

'MNF' takeaways: The Titans have their QB of the future

The Titans pulled off a Monday night stunner. Trailing 27-13 with less than three minutes remaining, Tennessee did the improbable. Here are our takeaways from its 28-27 win over Miami.

Watch: Will Levis run, costly Bradley Chubb penalty aid Titans scoring drive

The Titans aren't going away quietly on Monday night.

Watch: Dolphins, Titans each commit turnovers in wild first-quarter sequence

The Dolphins and Titans exchanged gifts early on Monday night.

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.