A Transfer Portal RB Explained Why He Flipped His Commitment from Alabama to an SEC Rival
The NC State Wolfpack lost one of their best players and most productive running backs to the transfer portal during the most recent cycle.
Former Wolfpack RB Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers entered the 2026 transfer cycle as one of the top running backs in the portal after rushing for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 carries in 11 games, adding another 189 yards and one score through the air.
Before joining NC State , Smothers spent one redshirt season with the Oklahoma Sooners , where he appeared in four games, rushing for 42 yards on 11 carries. Ultimately, his breakout 2025 season earned Smothers an inclusion in the All-ACC First Team.
Once in the portal, Smothers initially committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Jan. 5, only to flip to the Texas Longhorns six days later after an official visit.
Alabama enters the 2026 season facing questions about its short-term future, as the Crimson Tide are replacing quarterback Ty Simpson and two of its top receivers in Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton.
Texas, on the other hand, is headed into 2026 with quarterback Arch Manning returning and wide receiver Ryan Wingo joined by top transfer-portal wide receiver Cam Coleman and boasting the most players in early All-America teams .
Smothers opened up on his decision to flip from Alabama to Texas in an interview with On3's Pete Nakos , revealing it came down to which team was better built to win in 2026 and help his NFL draft stock.
“At this point in my career, I wanted to put myself in the best position to make it to the NFL and to go win a championship,” Smothers said.
Smothers downplayed rumors that Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) money drove his decision.
“NIL didn’t play a big factor for me,” Smothers 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.”
Ultimately, Smothers believes Texas has built a stronger roster for the 2026 college football season and pointed to Manning’s presence and the offensive direction under Steve Sarkisian as the main reasons behind his flip.
“Returning the potential No. 1 overall pick at QB, and Alabama was losing their starter to the draft and a lot of pieces to the NFL or portal in the wide receiver room,” Smothers said. “Texas just seemed like they had players in place to go on a run.”
Texas will open the 2026 season with a new-look backfield and high expectations after finishing 10–3 in 2025, with their first game against the Texas State Bobcats scheduled for Sept. 5 before its rematch with the Ohio State Buckeyes at home on Sept. 12.
Related: Nation’s No. 6 WR Makes Decision to Reschedule Commitment Announcement
Related: No. 3 Transfer Portal WR Announces Commitment To College Football Powerhouse
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
