Smothers' uncertain status looms large over Texas heading into road clash

Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

RB Hollywood Smothers' uncertain status looms large over Texas heading into road clash vs. Tennessee

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 3:26 PM ET

In Week 4 against the Tennessee Volunteers, the Texas Longhorns may be without star junior running back Hollywood Smothers.

The Longhorns listed Smothers as questionable on Wednesday's injury report with an undisclosed injury. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian didn't expand on the medical issue or his status during his Thursday news conference, saying, "You guys saw the report," via Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods.com.

Smothers has until Saturday to recover. If he's not ready to go for kickoff at noon ET on ABC, the Longhorns may have a major problem.

How would Hollywood Smothers' absence impact Texas against Tennessee?

Smothers has split carries with senior RB Raleek Brown this season, but he has established himself as the team's top back. Entering Week 4, he ranks 11th in the SEC in rushing yards (198 on 41 carries).

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about Hollywood Smothers and jokingly said, "I just won a bet who was going to be the first one to ask me about [an] injury." It was Kirk Bohls. Sarkisian then said, "You guys saw the report."https://t.co/Cu8YA8rGyH pic.twitter.com/Mruohua9uj
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 24, 2026

Smothers powered the No. 1-ranked Longhorns (3-0) to a 24-23 comeback win over the No. 7-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1), rushing for 74 yards on 21 carries and scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

HOLLYWOOD SMOTHERS GOES AIRBORNE FOR GAME-WINNING TD

TEXAS WAS DOWN 20 IN THE 4TH

(via @TexasFootball) pic.twitter.com/Wa6X1Mf2hr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2026

Smothers missing Saturday's game at Neyland Stadium would put even more pressure on junior quarterback Arch Manning. The Longhorns aren't sure how much they can trust him after another shaky performance in a 30-6 Week 3 home win over the UTSA Roadrunners (2-1). The QB looked rattled in that contest, finishing 16-of-32 passing (50 percent, below average) for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

To add even more pressure to the Texas star, he'll be facing the alma mater of his uncle, Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton. The former QB, who prioritizes family over love for his university, said he's rooting for his nephew.

The Longhorns hope Smothers is healthy enough to play on Saturday. If he isn't, more momentum will swing toward the No. 14-ranked Volunteers (3-0) heading into a tight SEC clash. As of Thursday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Texas as a four-point favorite.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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