Texas loses veteran linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith, putting added pressure on Tyler Atkinson and a talented freshman trio to grow up quickly in 2026.
Texas football suddenly has a fascinating problem at linebacker, and the clock is already ticking.
With Ty’Anthony Smith dismissed from the Longhorns, Texas has lost an experienced defender just as the 2026 season approaches.
Smith had appeared in 14 career games, and while he wasn't necessarily projected as the centerpiece of the defense, his departure removes something Texas can't manufacture overnight: experienced depth.
Now the spotlight gets considerably brighter on Tyler Atkinson, Rocky Cummings and Kosi Okpala.
That's an exciting proposition. It's also a dangerous one.
Atkinson arrived in Austin as the headliner of the freshman linebacker class and has apparently made significant progress since spring practice.
He's positioned to work behind Rasheem Biles, while Cummings should get opportunities behind Justin Cryer in the middle. Okpala could provide Texas with another versatile option in a role similar to Brad Spence.
Talent isn't the concern.
Experience is.
Linebacker may be one of the toughest positions on the field for a freshman to master quickly.
A young receiver can survive on athleticism and a limited route package. An edge rusher can sometimes simply turn his explosiveness loose.
Linebackers don't have that luxury.
They've got to diagnose formations, recognize blocking concepts, communicate adjustments and react almost instantly. One hesitation can turn a three-yard run into a 30-yard problem.
And Texas doesn't exactly have the luxury of easing everyone into the season.
The Longhorns have Ohio State looming early, and that's not the environment for experimenting with linebackers who are still figuring out their assignments.
Expect Biles, Cryer and Spence to shoulder much of the responsibility in the biggest early test.
After that, Texas needs to accelerate the development program.
Games against Texas State and UTSA could become enormously important for Atkinson, Cummings and Okpala. Those aren't simply opportunities to empty the bench.
They're chances to build the live-game recognition that practice can't fully reproduce.
Atkinson is particularly intriguing. If his development continues, there's a legitimate opportunity for him to become a meaningful piece of the Texas defense by the time the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma arrives.
Smith's departure doesn't wreck the Longhorns' defense. Texas has recruited too well for one personnel loss to accomplish that.
But it does remove the safety net.
The freshmen were always going to matter in 2026. Now Texas needs them to grow up faster than planned.
