Texas linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith dismissed from football program

Texas is losing a key piece of its linebacker room just two weeks before the 2026 season kicks off.

Driving the news: Junior linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith has been dismissed from the Texas football program, the school confirmed Friday, bringing an abrupt end to the former four-star recruit’s time with the Longhorns.

Why it matters: Smith entered fall camp as one of Texas’ most experienced returning linebackers and appeared positioned to play a significant role on a defense replacing several major contributors.

• Smith appeared in 28 games during his Texas career, finishing with 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions.
• He was coming off one of the best performances of his career, recording nine tackles, a tackle for loss and two interceptions in Texas’ 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.
• Smith had been competing for playing time in a rebuilt linebacker room that added several players through the transfer portal.

The backstory: Smith’s status had become a storyline during fall camp.

He missed Texas’ first scrimmage after head coach Steve Sarkisian said a flu outbreak had affected several players. Smith subsequently returned to practice, and Sarkisian had indicated earlier this week that the linebacker was back on the field.

Orangebloods reported Friday that Smith was dealing with a personal matter and was no longer with the team. Texas later confirmed his dismissal from the program.

Texas already faced the task of replacing former standout Anthony Hill Jr., while Liona Lefau entered the transfer portal during the offseason. The Longhorns responded by bringing in experienced transfers, including Pittsburgh’s Rasheem Biles and Florida State’s Justin Cryer.

Biles figures to play a major role, while Cryer had reportedly moved ahead in the competition at MIKE linebacker during camp. Smith’s exit could also create additional opportunities for veterans such as Brad Spence and younger linebackers, including highly regarded freshman Tyler Atkinson.

Between the lines: Smith’s departure is particularly notable because of the timing.

The Longhorns are only weeks away from beginning a season carrying significant expectations, and defensive continuity becomes increasingly important as the opener approaches. Losing an experienced player who had already played meaningful postseason snaps reduces the margin for error at one of the defense’s most important positions.

The big picture: Smith arrived at Texas as a four-star prospect after flipping his commitment from Texas A&M during the 2024 recruiting cycle. He initially carved out a role on special teams before earning more defensive snaps and positioning himself for a larger role as an upperclassman.

His Citrus Bowl performance appeared to offer a preview of what could come next.

Instead, his Texas career ends before his junior season begins.

What we’re watching: How Sarkisian and the defensive staff redistribute Smith’s snaps — and whether one of Texas’ younger linebackers can capitalize on the suddenly available opportunity.

The Longhorns open the season Sept. 5 against Texas State.