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

Iowa State has nightmarish shooting performance in NCAA Tournament loss

Iowa State and Pitt participated in a display of offensive failure on epic scale during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kennesaw State head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim puts himself on the map after team nearly pulls off upset

The spotlight the tournament shined on the Atlantic Sun Tournament champions should propel Abdur-Rahim into the conversation for any head-coach opening this hiring cycle.

Big showdown awaits between Duke, Tennessee after both teams win in opening round

Duke is playing as well as anyone in the country while its next opponent, Tennessee, has been mediocre over the past month and a half. But that doesn't mean people who had Duke advancing to the Sweet 16 in their bracket should celebrate just yet.

Houston survives first-round scare against Northern Kentucky

Crisis averted. For now. The NCAA Tournament favorite Houston found itself in a dogfight during 16-seed Northern Kentucky before eventually pulling away over halfway through the second half for a 63-52 victory.

The upsets keep coming as 15-seed Princeton downs two-seed Arizona

Hours after No. 13 Furman stunned No. 4 Virginia, Princeton provided an even bigger upset as the No. 15 Tigers defeated No. 2 Arizona.

No. 13 Furman the first bracket buster of the 2023 NCAA Tournament with wild win over Virginia

On the other side, Virginia's loss adds to a list of recent tournament failings, including a historic loss as the No. 1 overall seed to No. 16 seed UMBC in 2016. The Cavaliers did win the 2019 tournament, so don't feel too bad for them.

Maryland kicks off NCAA Tournament by holding off last-second West Virginia three

Maryland may have escaped its game against West Virginia by the skin of its teeth, but there's reason to believe the Terrapins can go a whole lot further.

Bill Self to miss Round of 64 game in NCAA Tournament

Kansas will begin its title defense without head coach Bill Self, the team announced Thursday morning. Self is recovering from an emergency heart procedure that also forced him to miss the Jayhawks' appearance in the Big 12 tournament.

Saints add RB Jamaal Williams as team tries to make another playoff run

The New Orleans Saints are serious about getting back into title contention, and the organization added to an already-active offseason by agreeing to a contract with running back Jamaal Williams.

Jacoby Brissett an important addition for Commanders

While he has developed a reputation as a game manager and reliable backup, Brissett demonstrated last season might not necessarily be his ceiling.

Saints address biggest need with two signings

The New Orleans Saints are checking the boxes off their offseason needs list, as the team is expected to sign two veteran defensive tackles.

Lions' running back signing likely means Jamaal Williams will have a new home in 2023

The NFL's 2022 rushing touchdown leader appears likely to have a new home in 2023. 

Patrick Peterson backtracks jersey number demand in Pittsburgh

The eight-time Pro Bowler Peterson wore No. 7 with the Vikings the past two seasons and had plans of retaining it in Pittsburgh.

Raiders are sending mixed signals with offseason moves

On Monday, the Raiders made a splash by agreeing to a deal with free-agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo. A day later, word came that Las Vegas is trading one of its best receivers.

Why Kentucky, other six seeds are on upset alert in the NCAA Tournament

Should Kentucky and other six seeds in the NCAA Tournament be on upset alert? Per DraftKings, No. 11 seeds have won 15 of 28 meetings against No. 6 seeds (54.7 percent) since 2014.  Besides the Wildcats, the other sixth seeds this year are Iowa State, TCU and Creighton, which is the best of the bunch, per ESPN's Basketball Power Index.

Dolphins bolster QB room by adding former division rival

Miami took a stride in insuring itself against potential injury to QB Tua Tagovailoa on Monday by agreeing to terms on a contract with former New York Jets QB Mike White.

30 years later, Jerry Stackhouse finally has John Calipari's number

It took 30 years, but Jerry Stackhouse might finally have John Calipari's number. Vanderbilt defeated Kentucky on Friday, 80-73, to advance to the semifinals of the SEC tournament.

Broncos WR tweets sign of potential dissatisfaction with Denver

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton shared a message online Friday that many construed as a sign he wants out of Denver.

Panthers shake up NFL Draft with blockbuster trade with Bears for No. 1 pick

The first major piece of the 2022 draft puzzle fell into place on Friday, and it's hard to blame the Panthers for giving up such a significant haul to get it done. It's the price one pays to land a quarterback.

Former NFL tight end starring in new thriller alongside Morgan Freeman

For his latest act, former NFL TE Vernon Davis is going up against Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman in a thriller.

Five XFL players who could be on NFL's radar

The XFL is a great opportunity for players overlooked by NFL teams to get noticed. Through the early stages of the eight-team league's second reboot, here are five who could get a closer look by the NFL.

Brock Purdy medical update is a good sign for 2023 season

The impending QB battle in San Francisco will be one of the biggest during training camp. It's a good thing there aren't many questions elsewhere on the 49ers roster. There are enough at QB to last an entire offseason.

Vikings receiver the latest salary-cap casualty

Changes are afoot in Minnesota. Adam Thielen was released by the Vikings on Friday and is the most recent member of the 2022 playoff team to have his time with the organization come to an end this offseason.