Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a torn MCL, 247Sports confirmed. The No. 3 running back in the 2026 transfer class arrived from NC State following a 939-yard, seven-touchdown campaign, but injuries limited him to 283 yards and two touchdowns in six games this year.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
Smothers had been sidelined for the Longhorns' road win over Tennessee and the home victory against Ole Miss on Oct. 24 due to a lower-body injury. In his last three appearances, he shared carries with Raleek Brown and managed just four carries for minus-6 yards against Mississippi State before leaving the field. Brown will now assume a larger role in the backfield.
Mounting Injury List Threatens Playoff Hopes
The loss of Smothers adds to a growing availability report ahead of Saturday's crucial game against Missouri. Star left tackle Trevor Goosby is already ruled out for the season, while edge rusher Colin Simmons (high-ankle sprain), wide receiver Ryan Wingo (quad), wide receivers Cam Coleman and Kade Phillips, and defensive backs Graceson Littleton and others are listed as questionable. Simmons and Wingo are considered the most likely to play, but neither is guaranteed.
Running Game Struggles Continue
Since the departures of Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks, Texas has failed to regain its ground-game dominance. Tre Wisner led the team with 1,000 yards in 2024 but averaged only 4.7 yards per carry; his production dropped to 597 yards at 4.6 yards per carry last season. The offseason additions of Smothers and Brown were expected to revitalize the rush attack, yet the Longhorns average just 135.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 13th in the SEC — ahead of only Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. With Smothers out, the burden falls on Brown and quarterback Arch Manning to generate offense on the ground as Texas faces a pivotal stretch against Missouri and LSU.
