Texas Has Depth to Overcome Smith's Dismissal, Analysts Say
The dismissal of linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith is a setback, but Texas has capable replacements. Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles is expected to anchor the position after a standout season. Safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell will also take on a larger role, easing concerns about the defense's depth.
Biles arrives in Austin after a productive stint at Pittsburgh, where his 17 tackles for loss led the ACC from an off-ball linebacker role. His durability is notable—he logged 670 snaps last season, a figure no Texas linebacker matched in 2025. That workload suggests he can absorb the extra responsibilities created by Smith's exit without a significant drop-off in performance.
Johnson-Rubell's transition from safety to linebacker is a calculated gamble by the coaching staff. His special teams tackling history indicates the physical traits are present, though his size—under six feet and 215 pounds—raises questions about matching up with bigger running backs. The early-season test against Ohio State's 220-pound backfield duo will reveal how quickly that adjustment takes hold.
This roster adjustment may resonate beyond Texas fans, as it highlights how quickly college football programs must adapt to sudden personnel changes in the modern era. The reliance on transfer-portal additions like Biles reflects a broader trend where roster continuity is no longer guaranteed. For recruits and players, it underscores that conduct standards remain firm even for high producers, while for fans it demonstrates that depth-building through transfers has become essential to weathering unexpected losses.