Steve Sarkisian did not need linebacker drama this close to the season opener against Texas State. But right before Texas held its second fall scrimmage, news broke that changed everything. Junior linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith is no longer with the Longhorns. What started as a missed practice due to flu symptoms has suddenly turned into a full-blown departure. 

According to Orangebloods reporter Anwar Richardson, Smith has officially parted ways with the team. His practice time was up and down over the past week. While college sports always leave a tiny door open for a player to return, as of today, Smith is completely out.

When Smith missed the first fall scrimmage, coach Steve Sarkisian claimed it was the flu when reporters asked questions. The 6-foot-1, 214-pound defender was practicing well earlier that week, so missing the scrimmage raised a few eyebrows. Now we know the flu was not the whole story.

Sources close to the team indicate Smith is dealing with personal matters. Whatever is happening off the field, Sarkisian has now lost a vital defensive talent. Smith was expected to play a major role in the 2026 defense, and his sudden exit leaves Texas hunting for emergency depth. To understand what Texas lost, consider Smith’s trajectory since arriving in Austin.

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Ty’Anthony Smith arrived in Austin as a consensus 4-star prospect, ranking No. 350 nationally and No. 27 at LB. He originally committed to Texas A&M before flipping to Texas during the early signing period in the 2024 class. In his first season, he appeared in all 16 games, spending plenty of time on three special teams units. He finished with 16 tackles, eight of them solo, plus 1.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, and an interception. 

Last season was different. Ty’Anthony Smith played 450 snaps across 12 games and moved into the linebacker rotation more regularly. He finished with 60 tackles, including 39 solo stops, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His nine tackles, a tackle for loss, and two interceptions in Texas’s 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over Michigan were supposed to be the next step. But then, the path got crowded.

So why did he fall behind? Smith missed 2026 spring practice following shoulder surgery. During his recovery, Sarkisian brought in Florida State transfer Justin Cryer and Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles. Cryer grabbed the middle linebacker starting job with both hands during fall camp. By August, Smith had dropped to a backup role, pushing him toward the exit door.

Losing Ty’Anthony Smith won’t ruin Texas’ main defense, but it hits their rotational safety net hard. After losing key veteran leaders Anthony Hill and Trey Moore to the NFL, Smith was expected to be the reliable bridge in Will Muschamp’s linebacker unit.

Without Smith’s proven big-game experience, like his two-interception performance in the Citrus Bowl, the Longhorns are forced to rely on unproven depth. Senior Brad Spence and Michigan State transfer Darius Snow now have to step up right away, while 5-star freshman Tyler Atkinson will likely get pushed into real game action much earlier than planned.

Steve Sarkisian still has depth at linebacker

Sarkisian is not starting from zero, but his options are thin. The Longhorns added four LBs through the transfer portal this offseason. Biles and Cryer were the headline additions, while Akron transfer Markus Boswell and Michigan State transfer Darius Snow also provided more experienced depth. Snow, in particular, spent six seasons with the Spartans.

There is also Brad Spence, who returns after recording three sacks last season. And then comes the freshman. Tyler Atkinson, Kosi Okpala, and Rocky Cummings have all received praise during fall camp from Steve Sarkisian and their teammates. There is talent there, but the question is how quickly any of it can translate when the games start counting.

That was already a position Texas DC Will Muschamp wanted to see improve this year. The Longhorns needed the linebacker room to prove it could hold up. Cryer and Biles have apparently done plenty to answer that challenge. Still, losing Ty’Anthony Smith this late is nothing. And with the season opener against Texas State getting closer by the day, there is no luxury of waiting around to see who steps up.