Hollywood Smothers Chooses Texas Over Alabama: “I Just Want to Win”
In a transfer cycle full of big names and even bigger NIL deals, Texas may have landed one of the most impactful additions of the offseason-and not just because of the talent. Former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers, one of the top-rated transfers in the 2026 class, made waves by flipping his commitment from Alabama to Texas. But it’s why he made the move that’s turning heads just as much as the move itself.
Smothers made it clear: this wasn’t about money. “NIL didn’t play a big factor for me,” he said. “I honestly just want to win, and I feel like we are in the best position to go win it all with the talent and depth at Texas.”
That’s a bold statement in today’s college football landscape, where NIL deals often drive the decision-making process for elite players. Smothers didn’t just choose a different jersey-he chose a different mindset. He’s betting on a Longhorns roster that’s been aggressively retooled and reloaded by head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, and he’s not shy about believing they’re closer to a title than Alabama.
Smothers pointed to two key reasons for his decision: the presence of Arch Manning, a potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick leading the Texas offense in 2026, and the attrition Alabama’s facing. The Tide are losing their starting quarterback to the draft, and several key receivers have either declared for the NFL or hit the portal. That kind of turnover can shake a program’s foundation, even one as consistently dominant as Alabama.
“Texas just seemed like they had players in place to go on a run,” Smothers said. And he’s not wrong.
The Longhorns have been building toward something big, and this offseason has only added fuel to that fire. Smothers joins a loaded transfer class that includes names like Cam Coleman, Raleek Brown, Rasheem Biles, and Melvin Siani. It’s not just about stacking talent-it’s about stacking talent that fits the system and shares the same vision.
That vision? Win now.
Smothers came away from his visit to Austin impressed with more than just the facilities or the fanfare-he saw a coaching staff that’s locked in, focused, and ready to compete at the highest level. Sarkisian and company didn’t just sell him on a role; they sold him on a mission.
And make no mistake: Smothers is the kind of back who can help push a contender over the top. He brings speed, vision, and a physical edge that fits perfectly into what Texas wants to do offensively. Pair that with a quarterback like Manning and a deep, talented supporting cast, and it’s easy to see why Smothers believes this is the place to chase a national title.
Alabama may be reloading, but Texas is already locked and loaded. And with players like Hollywood Smothers choosing the Longhorns not just for the spotlight, but for the shot at a championship, it’s clear that the program in Austin is thinking bigger than just winning the offseason.
They’re aiming to win it all.