By: Erick Smith
Erick Smith, USA TODAY The insane drama of the round of 32 has given way to the expectation of more tense moments with the stakes even higher in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup


Erick Smith is a College Sports Editor at USA TODAY. He covers a wide range of topics related to sports, including international sports leagues, major league sports, and team sports, with a focus on competitive and professional sports. Erick's work has been featured in prominent publications such as the Detroit Free Press, Yahoo Sports, and The Indianapolis Star.
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Erick Smith’s coverage is heavily focused on college football, particularly around events such as bowl games and the College Football Playoff. Given his focus on event coverage, he would likely be most receptive to pitches related to upcoming major college football events, rankings updates, and any breaking news or developments within the world of college football.
Those looking to reach out should consider offering unique insights into future matchups or significant changes in team performance that could impact upcoming events. Pitches centered around exclusive interviews with coaches or players ahead of key games could also be of interest given Erick's emphasis on event coverage.
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