From Special Teams Standout to Defensive Force: Ty’Anthony Smith’s Breakout Season

 

The Texas Longhorns have a long and storied history of producing elite linebacker talent, and it seems they have found their next star in sophomore Ty’Anthony Smith. After spending his true freshman season primarily as a special teams contributor, Smith has emerged as a key piece of the Longhorns’ defense in 2025 and is on pace to have a career year that will solidify his place as one of the best linebackers in the SEC.

A Foundation Built on Grit and Hard Work

As a true freshman in 2024, Smith appeared in all 16 games for the Longhorns, a testament to his toughness and work ethic. While his defensive snaps were limited, his impact on special teams was significant. He tallied 184 special teams snaps on kick return, kick coverage, and punt return, earning the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates. This experience, while not a headline-grabber, laid the groundwork for his breakout sophomore campaign. He gained valuable experience on the field, learned the speed of the college game, and developed the physical and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.

A Sophomore Surge: On Pace for a Career Year

The 2025 season has been a completely different story for Smith. He has taken a massive step forward and has become an integral part of the Texas defense. Through the first three games of the season, he has recorded 13 total tackles (10 solo, 3 assisted), 1.0 tackle for loss, 1.0 sack, and a forced fumble.

If he continues on this pace, he is on track to finish the season with over 50 total tackles and a handful of sacks and forced fumbles. This would be a significant increase from his freshman year, where he finished with 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.

His performance against San Jose State was particularly impressive, where he recorded a season-high six tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble that was recovered by the Longhorns. This was a clear sign that he is not just a rotational piece but a playmaker who can consistently impact the game.

A “Physical” and “Fast” Player

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has been a vocal supporter of Smith, praising his maturity and his physicality. “He’s playing really good,” Sarkisian said during a press conference. “I’m really proud of Ty’Anthony, not only on the field but off the field. You can see the level of maturity on the field and his intent every day in practice. He’s not the biggest guy but the physicality that he plays with and the speed he plays with definitely shows up.”

Smith’s teammates have also taken notice. Linebacker Anthony Hill, a fellow linebacker, has praised Smith’s work ethic and his ability to “bring the energy every day.” He also pointed out that while Smith is “a little slender,” he makes up for it with his physicality and his ability to “bring a little bit more on every pop.”

A Bright Future

The emergence of Ty’Anthony Smith is a major boost for the Texas Longhorns’ defense. His ability to play with physicality and speed, combined with his high football IQ, makes him a valuable asset. As he continues to improve and gain more experience, he has the potential to become one of the best linebackers in the country. The future is incredibly bright for this young Texas Longhorn, and he is well on his way to a career year that will define his legacy in Austin.