Texas is making a major defensive adjustment just two weeks before its season opener, and the move centers on one of the Longhorns’ most experienced returning players.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Saturday that linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith has been dismissed from the team for conduct detrimental to the team. Smith had been positioned for a bigger role this fall after putting together a strong 2024 season, and his exit leaves Texas with another hole to fill on defense.
Smith finished last season with 60 tackles, the second-most among returning players. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
He played in 12 games and made his first start in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, where he turned in nine tackles and two interceptions. The Jasper, Texas, native had been competing with transfers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer for a starting job.
The timing is especially sharp for a Texas defense already dealing with turnover. Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore are gone to the NFL, and Liona Lefau transferred to Colorado. That has made the linebacker room thinner, and Smith’s departure only adds to the pressure on the group as the Longhorns prepare for Texas State in the opener.
Sarkisian spoke candidly after a team scrimmage and made clear the decision was about the bigger picture. “I didn’t like it,” he said, per ESPN.
“It’s an unfortunate situation for him individually. For us as a team, I hate that.
He’s a quality player, but I have to think about the team first.”
Smith had battled the flu the previous week and missed a scrimmage, but the dismissal now shifts Texas into full adjustment mode with the season almost here.
Sarkisian also had praise for Cryer, who appears to be making the most of his chance in Austin. “[Cryer] is squeezing every ounce of juice that he can out of this opportunity to be at Texas, and it’s greatly appreciated,” Sarkisian said.
“I think it serves as a great model for a lot of the other transfers. This guy didn’t wait and feel it out to ‘Where do I fit in?’
He’s gone for it. And I think he’s reaping the benefits of it.
He’s playing at a high level for us right now.”
With Will Muschamp coordinating the defense, Texas now has to sort out new roles for freshmen and the veterans who remain. After another loss in the middle of the defense, depth is suddenly a real concern. Sarkisian has made his stance clear: the standard comes first, even when it means losing a proven defender.
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