Texas RB Hollywood Smothers out for rest of season because of knee injury
Smothers has split time with Raleek Brown in the Texas backfield this season.
Texas running back Hollywood Smothers' 2026 season has come to an end due to a torn MCL, according to multiple reports. The injury has forced him to miss the final month of the regular season and any postseason games. Smothers, who had dealt with multiple injuries in 2026, already missed two games before playing in Texas' Halloween win over Mississippi State.
In that game, he left early with a knee issue and was limited to four carries for minus-6 yards. Despite the setback, Smothers has contributed significantly to the team's rushing attack. He had 69 carries for 283 yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 10 catches for 79 yards and a receiving touchdown. Additionally, Smothers scored the game-winning touchdown on the ground during Texas' Week 2 comeback win against Ohio State.
Smothers transferred to Texas from Oklahoma after a season at NC State. In 2025, he rushed for 939 yards and six scores at the Wolfpack. With Smothers out for the season, Texas will rely on backup running back Raleek Brown, who is their leading rusher with 92 carries for 452 yards and five scores. Quarterback Arch Manning has 70 carries, and while no other player has surpassed 29 rushing attempts, the team faces challenges with the absence of running back Summers and tackle Trevor Goosby, who both suffered season-ending knee injuries.
Additionally, edge rusher Colin Simmons and wide receivers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman are listed as questionable for Texas' upcoming game against Missouri due to shoulder injuries.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
