‘Detrimental Conduct’: Texas Dismisses LB Ty’Anthony Smith From Program
Texas Longhorns Dismiss Linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
On Friday evening, the Texas Longhorns football program announced that linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith had been dismissed from the team. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed the news on Saturday, stating the decision was due to "conduct detrimental to the team."
Important Point: This wasn’t about Smith’s football skills—he was a proven player. It was about behavior or actions that the coaching staff felt hurt the team culture.
Who Is Ty’Anthony Smith?
Smith was a third-year player at Texas who had developed into a key contributor:
- 2024 (True Freshman): Played in all 17 games — rare for a first-year player
- 2025 Season: Appeared in 12 games with strong stats:
- 60 total tackles
- 5.5 tackles for loss (stopping the opponent behind the line of scrimmage)
- 2 sacks (tackling the quarterback)
- 2 forced fumbles (knocking the ball loose)
- 2 interceptions (catching passes meant for the other team)
- Breakout Moment: Made his first career start in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl vs. Michigan and starred with 9 tackles and 2 interceptions
The Competition at Linebacker
Smith wasn’t a guaranteed starter this year. He was battling two transfer players for a starting spot:
| Player | Previous School | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rasheem Biles | University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) | Transfer |
| Justin Cryer | Florida State University | Transfer |
| Ty’Anthony Smith | Texas (3rd year) | Now dismissed |
Timeline of Events:
- Last Saturday: Smith missed the team scrimmage due to the flu
- This Week: Returned to practice
- Friday Evening: Texas spokesman announced his dismissal
- Saturday: Sarkisian addressed media, explaining the decision
Why This Matters for Texas
The Longhorns are already undergoing a major linebacker makeover under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. Three key players are gone:
- Anthony Hill Jr. → NFL Draft
- Trey Moore → NFL Draft
- Liona Lefau → Transferred to Colorado
Important Point: With Smith now gone too, Texas has lost four linebackers who played significant snaps. Young players and transfers will need to step up fast.
What Coach Sarkisian Said
On Smith’s dismissal:
"I didn’t like it. 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."
On transfer Justin Cryer (who’s impressing coaches):
"[Cryer] is squeezing every ounce of juice that he can out of this opportunity to be at Texas… He 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."
What’s Next for the Longhorns?
- Cryer and Biles are now the clear leaders for starting jobs
- Younger players on the roster will get more practice reps
- Muschamp will simplify schemes early to help new players learn
- Team culture remains the priority — Sarkisian showed he’ll remove talent if it hurts the locker room
Summary
- Ty’Anthony Smith, a productive third-year linebacker, was dismissed for conduct detrimental to the team
- He had a breakout 2025 season (60 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 sacks) and started the bowl game vs. Michigan
- Texas is rebuilding its entire linebacker room after multiple departures
- Transfers Justin Cryer and Rasheem Biles now have clearer paths to starting roles
- Coach Sarkisian emphasized team-first culture over individual talent
FAQ
What does "conduct detrimental to the team" mean?
It’s a broad phrase coaches use when a player’s behavior — whether attitude, effort, rule-breaking, or off-field issues — negatively affects the program. The specific details usually stay private.
Was Smith a good player?
Yes. He played all 17 games as a true freshman (very rare), started a bowl game, and posted strong stats in 2025. This was a talent loss, not a performance decision.
Who replaces Smith in the starting lineup?
Justin Cryer (Florida State transfer) has been praised heavily by Sarkisian and appears to be the leader. Rasheem Biles (Pitt transfer) is the other main contender.
How many linebackers has Texas lost this offseason?
Four significant contributors: Anthony Hill Jr. (NFL), Trey Moore (NFL), Liona Lefau (transfer to Colorado), and now Ty’Anthony Smith (dismissed).
Does this hurt Texas’s defense for 2026?
It creates inexperience, but Sarkisian and Muschamp clearly felt keeping Smith would hurt the team more long-term. They’re betting on culture and the new transfers to fill the gap.