Texas Longhorns Capitalize on Momentum with High-Profile Transfer Addition
Austin, TX – The Texas Longhorns are riding a wave of positive momentum, and it’s showing in their recruiting efforts. In less than 24 hours, the Longhorns upset the Alabama Crimson Tide on the basketball court, secured a commitment from the nation’s top-ranked wide receiver, Cam Coleman, and, most recently, flipped the commitment of highly sought-after running back Hollywood Smothers from North Carolina State.
Hollywood Smothers chooses the Longhorns
Hollywood Smothers,a 5’11”,195-pound running back,has committed to the University of Texas,bringing with him two years of eligibility. The dynamic back previously committed to Alabama but changed his decision following an official visit to Austin over the weekend. This flip is a meaningful win for the Longhorns, adding a potent weapon to their offensive arsenal.
A Winding Road to Texas
Smothers’ journey to Texas is a testament to his talent and the competitive landscape of college football recruiting. Originally a four-star prospect ranked as the No. 379 player nationally and the No. 26 running back in the 2023 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he initially committed to Oklahoma. His recruitment included offers from a who’s who of college football programs, including Arkansas, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
After signing with the Sooners, smothers redshirted in 2023, seeing limited action with 11 carries for 42 yards across four games. He then entered the NCAA transfer portal and landed with the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
Breakout Season at NC State
At NC state, Smothers quickly established himself as a key contributor. He earned a starting role in the final six games of the 2024 season, finishing with an notable 571 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries – a remarkable 6.4 yards per carry average. This performance ranked him sixth in school history for rushing average in a single season.He showcased his big-play ability against Stanford, rushing for 100 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns, and followed it up with a strong 139-yard performance against East Carolina in the bowl game.
2025 Season and Projections for the Future
As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, Smothers continued to shine, rushing for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 carries. He also demonstrated versatility, adding 189 receiving yards and a touchdown. An early-season surge saw him exceed 100 rushing yards in four of five games, though his production dipped slightly later in the year due to an injury.
Adding Explosiveness to the Longhorns’ backfield
The addition of Smothers complements the recent acquisition of Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown, creating a dynamic and explosive running back duo for the Longhorns. Both players bring a dimension of speed and playmaking ability that was noticeably absent from the Texas offense last season. Smothers, in particular, has shown a knack for breaking long runs, with four carries of 42 yards or more in 2025, adding another layer of threat to the Longhorns’ offensive attack.
What This Means for texas Football
The Longhorns’ recent success in the transfer portal signals a shift in momentum and a commitment to building a championship-caliber program. Securing players like Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers not only strengthens the team’s on-field talent but also sends a message to recruits nationwide that Texas is a destination for elite players. As the Longhorns prepare to compete in the SEC, these additions will be crucial in their pursuit of conference and national championships.
