Texas’ linebacker room looks a lot different heading toward the 2026 season, but it’s not being rebuilt from scratch. It’s being loaded up.
The Longhorns lost major production when Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore left for the NFL, and Liona Lefau and Elijah Barnes moved on through the transfer portal. Rather than scrambling for stopgaps, Texas went out and brought in a blend of proven veterans and young talent, giving defensive coordinator Will Muschamp a crowded and competitive group to sort through in fall camp.
At the center of that overhaul is Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles, who has wasted no time making his presence felt. The senior arrived after leading the Panthers with 101 tackles last season. He also posted 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Biles drew plenty of attention on the transfer market, with Colorado, Miami and Michigan among the programs interested in him. Ohio State also reached out to the Columbus, Ohio, native, but during fall camp he made it clear that becoming a Buckeye was never on his radar.
Winning drove the decision. After spending recent seasons watching big December and January games from home, Biles wanted a chance to be on the field for them instead.
Steve Sarkisian has noticed the difference already, repeatedly praising Biles for his energy, physicality and natural feel at linebacker. Biles has quickly become one of the leaders of the room and is expected to anchor the unit in 2026.
The bigger question is who lines up next to him.
Ty’Anthony Smith and Florida State transfer Justin Cryer have both pushed into the mix at Mike linebacker. Smith is the familiar name, and for good reason. He has played in 28 games over his first two seasons at Texas and finished last year with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles despite making just one start.
His best work may have come in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan, when he delivered nine tackles and two interceptions. Smith had shoulder surgery in the offseason, which limited him in the spring, but he’s now back at full strength and showing it in camp. Sarkisian said Smith had his best practice of camp last week.
Cryer has made his own case since arriving from Florida State. The Katy native started eight games for the Seminoles last season and led their linebackers with 43 tackles.
He added five tackles for loss and a sack. Sarkisian has called him a “pro’s pro” and said he brings it every day while helping set the tone.
He also pointed to Cryer’s intelligence and physicality, saying he’s playing faster after leaning up since joining Texas.
That gives the Longhorns two experienced options at Mike to go with Biles as the staff continues sorting out roles.
The depth doesn’t stop there. Brad Spence is back for his second season in Austin after appearing in 12 games last year. The former Arkansas Razorback has played in 35 career games with five starts, which gives Texas another veteran body it can trust.
Michigan State transfer Darius Snow adds even more mileage to the room. He spent six seasons with the Spartans, appeared in 48 career games with 15 starts, and played in all 12 games last season. Snow finished with 34 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack.
Then there’s the future.
Tyler Atkinson arrives as one of the most decorated members of Texas’ 2026 recruiting class. The five-star linebacker was ranked the No. 1 player at his position and the No. 19 overall prospect after starring at Grayson High School in Georgia. He piled up 77 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a senior and picked up the 2025 High School Butkus Award along with Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
Kosi Okpala gives Texas another young piece to develop. The four-star Houston native had 40 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his senior season.
With so many older players ahead of them, Atkinson and Okpala don’t need to be thrown into the fire right away. Texas can bring them along behind a veteran group now, while building toward the kind of linebacker depth that could pay off for years.
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