Longhorns’ linebacker depth takes massive hit after unexpected dismissal

The Texas Longhorns’ linebacker room took a major hit Friday after news broke that junior linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith was no longer with the team, according to Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods.

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While the initial report only indicated that Smith was away from the program, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed Saturday that the junior linebacker had been dismissed by Texas due to “conduct detrimental to the team,” adding, “I didn’t like it. It’s an unfortunate situation,” according to CJ Vogel of On Texas Football.

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Smith leaves Texas having played in 28 games over two seasons. He starred in his lone start, tallying nine tackles and two interceptions in the Longhorns’ victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl last December.

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Transfer Rasheem Biles from Pittsburgh will remain the centerpiece of the linebacker corps, but Smith’s dismissal means new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will need more from the rest of the position group, including senior and Florida State transfer Justin Cryer and true freshman five-star Tyler Atkinson.

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The Longhorns will open the 2026 regular season against the Texas State Bobcats on September 5, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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