Texas Longhorns Rebuild Linebacker Corps With Transfers, Blue-Chip Recruits

Anthony Hill Jr. Highlights Rising Junior Ty'Anthony Smith as Future Star

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who is currently preparing for the NFL Draft, shared his thoughts on the future of the team's linebacking corps. Hill singled out rising junior Ty'Anthony Smith as a player he's excited to watch, while noting the Longhorns have completely overhauled the position group this offseason through transfers and blue-chip high school recruits.

Why it matters

The Longhorns' linebacker unit was a weakness in 2025, so rebuilding that position group was a top priority for head coach Steve Sarkisian and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. With several new faces set to compete for playing time, the development of this group will be crucial to Texas' defensive success in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Hill highlighted rising junior Ty'Anthony Smith as a player he's looking forward to watching, noting Smith's strong performance in the Citrus Bowl last season. The Longhorns also added transfers Markus Boswell, Justin Cryer and Rasheem Biles, as well as blue-chip high school recruits Tyler Atkinson and Rocky Cummings, to completely overhaul the linebacker corps. While the group has no prior history playing together, some have already begun working out to build chemistry.

  • Hill declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after three seasons as a starting linebacker for Texas.
  • Smith has played in 28 games over the past two seasons, making one start in the 2025 Citrus Bowl.
  • The Longhorns' linebacker overhaul took place this offseason ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Anthony Hill Jr.

A three-year starting linebacker for the Texas Longhorns who is currently preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ty'Anthony Smith

A rising junior linebacker for the Texas Longhorns who has played in 28 games over the past two seasons, making one start in the 2025 Citrus Bowl.

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team.

Will Muschamp

The new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns.

Markus Boswell

A transfer linebacker who joined the Texas Longhorns this offseason.

Justin Cryer

A transfer linebacker who joined the Texas Longhorns this offseason.

Rasheem Biles

A transfer linebacker who joined the Texas Longhorns this offseason and is a two-time All-ACC selection.

Tyler Atkinson

A blue-chip high school linebacker recruit who joined the Texas Longhorns this offseason.

Rocky Cummings

A blue-chip high school linebacker recruit who joined the Texas Longhorns this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“If there is anybody that knows Longhorn linebacking in the Sarkisian-era, it is Anthony Hill Jr.”

— Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Longhorns Linebacker (si.com)

“Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. on younger Longhorn LBs he's excited to watch in the future”

— Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Longhorns Linebacker (Twitter (@TheDestinAdams)

What’s next

The Longhorns' rebuilt linebacker corps will look to prove themselves on the field in the 2026 season, as they aim to solidify the second level of Texas' defense.

The takeaway

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns have completely overhauled their linebacker group through a combination of transfers and blue-chip recruits. While the unit has no prior history playing together, the Longhorns are hoping the infusion of new talent will elevate the defense in 2026 and beyond.