Longhorns Lose Key Linebacker as Will Muschamp Reshapes Defense

Texas is losing a proven linebacker just as its defense enters a major transition.

Ty’Anthony Smith is no longer part of the Longhorns football program, according to a report from Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods.

MORE: Texas' Will Muschamp 'Sets The Tone' As Strength of Longhorns Defense

The junior had appeared in 28 games over the past two seasons, including one start in 2025, and was expected to compete for a role in Will Muschamp’s new-look defense.

Instead, that chapter is over.

Smith leaves behind a productive 2025 season in which he recorded 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

That’s not insignificant production.

But Texas didn’t stand still at linebacker this offseason.

The Longhorns added Rasheem Biles from Pittsburgh, Justin Cryer from Florida State, Markus Boswell from Akron and Darius Snow from Michigan State, creating a much more crowded competition for snaps.

And with Muschamp taking over as defensive coordinator, the fit matters just as much as the resume.

Every new coordinator wants different traits from his linebackers - size, range, coverage instincts, blitz ability, physicality - and it appears Texas is reshaping the room around that vision.

Smith originally signed with Texas as a three-star prospect in the 2024 class and earned playing time immediately. As a true freshman, he appeared in all 16 games, finishing with 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one pass breakup.

By Year 2, his role had expanded significantly.

That’s what makes the timing interesting.

Smith wasn’t buried on the roster because he couldn’t play. He had already shown he could contribute. But modern college football moves fast, and a transfer-heavy offseason can change a depth chart overnight.

Texas now has fewer questions about quantity at linebacker.

The bigger question is whether the new pieces fit Muschamp’s system better.

MORE: Texas Lands 11 Players on Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team

The Longhorns open the 2026 season against Texas State on Sept. 5, and by then we should have a much clearer picture of who has taken control of the linebacker rotation.

Smith’s departure doesn’t derail the defense. But it does remove an experienced piece from a unit already undergoing major change.