Texas Axes LB Ty’Anthony Smith Over ‘Detrimental Conduct’
Texas Longhorns Dismiss Linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith: What Happened and What It Means
The Big News in Simple Terms
Texas Longhorns football coach Steve Sarkisian announced on Saturday that linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith has been kicked off the team. The official reason? "Conduct detrimental to the team." In plain English: Smith did something that hurt the team’s culture or broke team rules, and the coach decided he couldn’t stay.
Who Is Ty’Anthony Smith?
Think of Smith as a rising star who suddenly hit a wall. Here’s his report card:
- Year at Texas: Third season (he’s been there a while)
- Last season: Played in 12 games
- Big moment: Started against Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
- 9 tackles (stopping the ball carrier)
- 2 interceptions (catching the other team’s passes) — huge plays!
- Full season stats:
- 60 total tackles
- 5.5 tackles for loss (stopping plays behind the line of scrimmage)
- 2 sacks (tackling the quarterback before he throws)
- 2 forced fumbles (knocking the ball loose)
- Freshman year (2024): Played in all 17 games — rare for a first-year player!
Important: Smith was good. Really good. That’s why this dismissal is such a big deal.
What Led to the Dismissal? A Timeline
| Day | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Last Saturday | Smith missed the team scrimmage — coach said he had the flu |
| This week | He returned to practice, seemed fine |
| Friday evening | Texas spokesman announces: Smith has been dismissed |
| Saturday | Coach Sarkisian confirms it in a Zoom call with reporters |
The flu wasn’t the real issue. Something happened after he came back to practice that crossed a line.
The Linebacker Competition: Three Guys, One Spot
Smith wasn’t a lock to start. He was in a three-way battle for a starting linebacker job:
| Player | Background | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ty’Anthony Smith | Texas veteran, 3rd year | Dismissed |
| Rasheem Biles | Transfer from Pitt | Still competing |
| Justin Cryer | Transfer from Florida State, senior | Coach’s favorite right now |
What’s a transfer? A player who played for another college team, then switched to Texas. They’re often experienced players looking for a fresh start.
Why This Hurts Texas’ Defense
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp was already rebuilding the linebacker group. Now it’s even thinner.
Gone from last year’s team:
- Anthony Hill Jr. → NFL Draft
- Trey Moore → NFL Draft
- Liona Lefau → Transferred to Colorado
- Ty’Anthony Smith → Dismissed (NEW)
Coach Sarkisian’s take:
"Guys are going to have to grow into certain roles. 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."
Translation: "We’ll figure it out. Younger guys need to step up. We’ll adjust based on who we’re playing."
The Silver Lining: Justin Cryer Is Impressing Everyone
Coach Sarkisian raved about transfer Justin Cryer:
"[Cryer] is squeezing every ounce of juice that he can out of this opportunity to be at Texas, and it’s greatly appreciated. I think it serves as a great model for a lot of the other transfers. This guy didn’t wait and feel it out to ‘Where do I fit in?’ He’s gone for it. And I think he’s reaping the benefits of it. He’s playing at a high level for us right now."
In ELI5 terms: Cryer showed up hungry, worked his tail off, and earned the coaches’ trust. He’s now the model for how transfers should act.
Key Takeaways (Callout Box)
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Smith was productive — 60 tackles, 2 INTs in bowl game, played as a true freshman
- Dismissal = culture over talent — Sarkisian said: "He’s a quality player, but I have to think about the team first."
- Linebacker room is YOUNG — 4 key players gone, including 2 NFL draftees
- Cryer is the new leader — Senior transfer setting the tone
- Season starts soon — Texas needs answers fast
Summary
Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian dismissed starting-caliber linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith for "conduct detrimental to the team" on Friday. Smith had 60 tackles last year, starred in the bowl game vs Michigan, and was battling two transfers (Rasheem Biles from Pitt, Justin Cryer from FSU) for a starting spot. The dismissal leaves new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp with a very young linebacker group — four key players from last year are gone (two to NFL, one transfer, one dismissal). Coach Sarkisian emphasized team culture over individual talent, while praising Cryer for attacking his opportunity and setting an example for teammates.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "conduct detrimental to the team" actually mean?
It’s a catch-all phrase for breaking team rules, hurting team chemistry, or doing something the coach thinks undermines the program. It could be anything from missing meetings to off-field issues to attitude problems. The school didn’t give specifics.
Can Smith transfer to another school?
Yes. Since he was dismissed (not kicked out of school), he can enter the transfer portal and play elsewhere — though other coaches will ask why he left Texas.
Who starts at linebacker now?
Most likely Justin Cryer (the senior transfer from FSU) and Rasheem Biles (transfer from Pitt). Younger players will get chances too. Sarkisian said they’ll mix and match based on the opponent.
Is this a sign Texas’ program is in trouble?
Not necessarily. Every program dismisses players occasionally. Sarkisian’s willingness to cut a productive player shows he prioritizes culture. The concern is depth — they’re thin at linebacker now.
When does Texas play their first game?
The article is from August 22, 2026 — so the season opener is likely late August or early September 2026. They have very little time to sort out the linebacker rotation.
Article based on ESPN reporting by Dave Wilson, August 22, 2026.