The Texas Longhorns football program confirmed a major personnel setback on Tuesday as starting running back Hollywood Smothers will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
The team officially announced that “Texas to lose RB Hollywood Smothers for remainder of 2026 season” following medical evaluations conducted by the university’s athletic training staff.
Smothers, who has been a pivotal component of the Longhorns’ offensive backfield this year, suffered the injury during a recent practice session. While the specific nature of the ailment has not been disclosed by coaching staff, the duration of the recovery timeline effectively ends his participation for the current college football season.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media briefly regarding the news, emphasizing the emotional toll on the team while pivoting toward the next man up mentality required in high-stakes conference play. The loss of Smothers presents a substantial challenge for the Longhorns’ rushing attack as they prepare for the upcoming stretch of their schedule.
Throughout the 2026 season, Smothers demonstrated versatility and explosive playmaking ability, serving as a reliable option for the Texas offense in both rushing and receiving situations. His absence will necessitate a shift in the rotation, with depth players expected to see increased snaps to compensate for the significant loss of production.
Fans and analysts have expressed concern regarding the impact this injury will have on the team’s postseason aspirations. Despite the setback, the program remains focused on maintaining its current trajectory as they integrate new personnel into the offensive scheme. The coaching staff has already begun adjusting game plans to account for the void left by Smothers’ departure from the active roster.
The university stated that Smothers will begin his rehabilitation process immediately with the support of the team’s medical personnel. Further updates regarding his long-term recovery and projected return to the field will be provided as the situation develops over the coming months.