Hollywood Smothers, the starting running back for the University of Texas, will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a torn medial collateral ligament. A source close to the team confirmed the injury to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Thursday, marking a significant setback for the Longhorns as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.
Smothers joined the Texas program after transferring from NC State. During his time with the Longhorns, he played in six games and started five. His most notable performance came during an upset victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State. In that game, Smothers rushed for 74 yards and scored two touchdowns on the final two drives, helping Texas score 21 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 24-23 win.
The injury occurred last weekend against Mississippi State. Smothers had four carries, gaining negative six yards, before leaving the game with his latest ailment. For the season, he has accumulated 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He previously missed games against Tennessee due to a lower-body injury and against Ole Miss due to a shoulder issue.
Texas, currently ranked No. 7, faces a challenging injury report ahead of Saturday’s road game against No. 18 Missouri. In addition to Smothers, edge rusher Colin Simmons remains listed as questionable. Simmons has missed the past two games while recovering from a high ankle sprain. The Longhorns also have starting wide receivers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman, as well as nickel corner Graceson Littleton, listed as questionable. Littleton has started every game this season.
The team has already dealt with another significant loss on the offensive line. Left tackle Trevor Goosby, a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, is out for the season. Sources previously told Thamel that Goosby underwent successful surgery on his torn left patellar tendon last week.
Smothers’ path to Texas was notable in the transfer portal. He began his college career at Oklahoma before moving to NC State. Last season, he rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns at NC State, earning first-team All-ACC honors. He was considered one of the most sought-after running backs available in the transfer portal. He initially committed to Alabama before ultimately choosing to join the Texas program.
The news that Smothers’ season has ended was first reported by On3. The injury adds to the physical challenges facing the Longhorns as they look to maintain their standing in the college football rankings.
With their starting back out for the year, the Texas coaching staff will need to rely on other options in the backfield. The upcoming trip to Missouri will be a key test for the offense, particularly with several key position players listed as questionable.
The torn MCL is a common but serious injury that often requires a significant recovery period. For a running back, the timeline for return can vary, but being out for the season indicates the severity of the tear in this case.
The Longhorns will hope that their other players can step up in Smothers’ absence. The offensive line, including Goosby’s replacement, will be crucial in supporting the new starting back against a Missouri defense that will be looking to capitalize on the personnel changes.
