Texas parts ways with linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith

Linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith is no longer part of the Texas Longhorns football program. Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods was first to report the news.

Smith was entering his third year with the Longhorns and has played in 28 games over the past two seasons, making one start in 2025. He finished the year with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.

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Texas is changing its defense after hiring Will Muschamp as the new defensive coordinator over the offseason, with him looking for different things at linebacker, causing Smith to be in a battle for playing time. The Longhorns also added four transfer linebackers this offseason in Rasheem Biles (Pittsburgh), Justin Cryer (FSU), Markus Boswell (Akron), and Darius Snow (Michigan State).

Smith signed with Texas as a three-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class but quickly saw the field on special teams and as part of the linebacker rotation. He played in all 16 games as a true freshman in 2024, recording 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and a pass breakup.

Texas is set to open the 2026 season against the Texas State Bobcats on Saturday, Sept. 5. The game is set to start at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN.