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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

August 26, 2023

Could Tulane crash the College Football Playoff?

Tulane stunned the college football world last season and the Green Wave could make a bigger splash in 2023. We're talking College Football Playoff-crashing big.

August 25, 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles sixth-round pick has earned right to back up Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles should seriously consider Tanner McKee as their QB2 behind Jalen Hurts on the strength of the rookie's intriguing preseason.

August 24, 2023 | Michigan Wolverines

Michigan's plan at head coach for Jim Harbaugh's suspension is bonkers

Some teams rotate quarterbacks to open the season, but Michigan is taking that kind of thinking to a different dimension with HC Jim Harbaugh out the first three games of the season.

August 24, 2023 | Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes concerning comments about future with Bucks

For the Bucks, the thought of losing Antetokounmpo has to be devastating.

August 24, 2023 | Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals trades are shrewd moves for whichever quarterback they build around

Whereas most teams are gearing up for the 2023 season, Arizona has its sights set on 2024, and for good reason.

August 24, 2023 | Denver Broncos

Broncos are doomed if they lose this WR

Sean Payton's first year in Denver was always going to be difficult, but the task potentially got a lot more daunting on Thursday when wide receiver Jerry Jeudy suffered a hamstring injury during practice.

August 24, 2023 | NFL

Ranking the best landing spots for demoted 49ers QB Trey Lance

Who wants Trey Lance? Several teams could be interested, and it won't take nearly as much as the 49ers surrendered in order to get him.

August 24, 2023 | NFL

Steelers' Jaylen Warren, Eagles LBs and more to watch in Thursday's preseason games

The final week of preseason action kicks off with a pair of games on Thursday evening. Here's what to focus on for the Steelers, Falcons, Eagles and Colts.

August 23, 2023 | College Football

Big 12 commissioner's comments at Texas Tech are a horrible look

While it's one thing to prop up a remaining program, Yormark is taking things way too far by openly rooting against an active conference member.

August 23, 2023 | San Francisco 49ers

It's time for 49ers to own up to their failed Trey Lance experiment

Why the San Francisco 49ers should move on from QB Trey Lance.

August 23, 2023 | Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys 2022 second-round pick hurts chance of making roster with latest arrest

As good as Sam Williams was in his rookie year, his off-the-field issues might be too much to overlook. This isn't the first time he's been in trouble with the law.

August 23, 2023 | USC Trojans

Could Caleb Williams return to USC in 2024?

Caleb Williams is the crown jewel of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unless, of course, he stays at USC for his senior year. It's been assumed — even by Williams — that he'd play three seasons in college and declare for the NFL Draft.

August 22, 2023 | New Orleans Saints

Saints cut wide receiver after disastrous preseason outing

Bryan Edwards took two touchdowns off the board in New Orleans' Week 2 preseason game and on Tuesday, the Saints made sure he won't do it again. The decision to cut Edwards is unsurprising after his stock took a major hit in Sunday's game against the Chargers.

August 22, 2023 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield's last stand

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles officially named Baker Mayfield the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. The announcement ends the battle for the No. 1 spot with Kyle Trask and starts the timer on Mayfield's last opportunity to prove he's a franchise quarterback.

August 22, 2023 | Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin injury makes Commanders biggest loser in Week 2 of the preseason

The Commanders have little reason to rejoice over their 29-28 win over the Ravens on Monday evening, because the potential effects of Terry McLaurin's injury are far greater than the result of a meaningless preseason game.

August 21, 2023 | NFL

Why a pair of AFC East teams make the most sense for a Jonathan Taylor trade

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor received permission to seek a trade on Monday, paving the way for the former All-Pro running back to leave Indianapolis as desired. Here comes the hard part: finding a trade partner.

August 21, 2023 | Carolina Panthers

Panthers' Frank Reich makes right call on Bryce Young for preseason finale

After the first two weeks of the preseason, the Panthers offense certainly needs more practice. Young has struggled behind an offensive line that's allowing pressure on 46.7 percent of his dropbacks, the sixth-highest pressure rate among quarterbacks with at least 15 dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus.

August 21, 2023 | Michigan Wolverines

Michigan's self-imposed suspension of Jim Harbaugh could speak volumes about his future

The speculation about a return to the pros would have run rampant with a looming 2024 suspension. Instead, the Wolverines are getting out in front of not only an NCAA punishment, but also the NFL vultures as they gear up for a third consecutive Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance.