Texas Longhorns Secure Top RB Hollywood Smothers from Alabama

The Texas Longhorns have strengthened their 2026 offensive lineup with the acquisition of running back Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers, who has transferred from Alabama. According to a report by On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Smothers made the decision to flip his commitment to Texas just hours after the Longhorns secured Cam Coleman, the top wide receiver in the transfer portal.

Smothers, a standout player who earned first-team All-ACC honors last season, initially committed to Alabama earlier this week. This unexpected shift to Texas occurred on Sunday, marking a significant addition to the Longhorns’ roster. During his 2025 season at North Carolina State, the redshirt sophomore amassed a total of 939 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns, further contributing with 189 receiving yards. Notably, he achieved over 100 total yards in six games, including an impressive performance against Virginia, where he rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

Smothers’ Journey and Impact

At 5 feet 11 inches, Smothers is now preparing for his third school in four years. He began his collegiate career at Oklahoma before transferring to North Carolina State, where he played for the past two seasons. With two years of eligibility remaining, he is poised to make a significant impact on the Texas offense.

ESPN ranks Smothers as the top running back and the 18th overall player available in the transfer portal this offseason. His commitment is a critical move for the Longhorns, who are undergoing a rebuilding phase after the departure of several players via the transfer portal, including their starting running back, Quintrevion Wisner.

The addition of Smothers not only enhances Texas’s offensive capabilities but also reflects the program’s efforts to secure top talent amid ongoing changes in its roster. As the Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season, the combination of Smothers and Coleman is expected to energize their offensive strategy, aiming for a strong showing in the competitive landscape of college football.