Texas has lost a returning contributor for the coming season.
Linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was dismissed from the program for conduct detrimental to the team, coach Steve Sarkisian announced.
Smith was battling to be a starter on defense after appealing in 12 games a year ago. He started in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan , and had nine tackles and two interceptions. Overall, he tallied 60 tackles, 5.5 for loss, with two sacks and two forced fumbles last season.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith (26) and head coach Steve Sarkisian (r.) raise the trophy after winning the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2025. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He was competing against two transfers, Rasheem Biles of Pittsburgh and Justin Cryer of Florida State, for a starting job.
Smith did miss last Saturday's scrimmage due to the flu. He was back at practice this week, but on Friday night, the school announced he was being dismissed from the team.
"I didn't like it," Sarkisian said. "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."
It further complicates the job of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
Texas linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was dismissed from the program. Getty Images
"Guys are going to have to grow into certain roles," Sarkisian said. "I think when we do want to go into our base package that we've got the right people on the field. How many snaps a game that is, really is depending on the opponent."
Texas was ranked fifth in the Associated Press preseason poll. The Longhorns open the season against Texas State on Sept. 5.
