Texas has spent the offseason reshaping parts of its roster, and the linebacker room has become one of the more intriguing spots to watch as fall camp rolls on.
The Longhorns already made a major move by bringing in four linebackers through the transfer portal after losing Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore to the NFL and seeing Liona Lefau and Elijah Barnes leave for new programs. Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles has quickly lived up to the billing and looks like a locked-in starter at WILL. But the bigger question now centers on who lines up next to him.
That battle appears to be tightening between Ty'Anthony Smith and Florida State transfer Justin Cryer, with Cryer making a real push for the MIKE linebacker job. Smith had been the early favorite to start alongside Biles, especially after closing the 2025 season strong with two interceptions in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. But his spring was limited after shoulder surgery, and he’s still working back into full rhythm.
On Monday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Smith finally showed the kind of burst the staff has been waiting for.
"We all know the athleticism of Ty'Anthony, and he's starting to flash more," Sarkisian said. "He flashed more today than he has in any practice, which is a good sign."
At the same time, Sarkisian made it clear that Cryer has earned attention of his own.
"I love Justin Cryer," Sarkisian said Monday. "I mean, this guy is a pro's pro.
He's smart. He's physical.
I think he's done a great job of changing his body since he's come in to our program. He's really leaned his body up.
He's playing fast. He's been a great addition."
Sarkisian also grouped Cryer with several other defenders who have set the tone physically.
"Rasheem Biles brings it every day. Justin Cryer brings it.
Hero Kanu, Justice Terry," Sarkisian said. "These guys are bringing it.
Jelani (McDonald) from the safety spot. I think those guys set the tone."
Texas isn’t about to reveal whether Smith or Cryer will get the nod against Texas State in the opener, and even the staff may not have a final answer yet. Still, the combination of Smith’s recovery and Cryer’s rise has clearly made this one of the more interesting position battles in camp.
No matter how the rotation shakes out, both linebackers are expected to matter a lot for Texas this season.
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