Transfer portal: Former NC State RB Hollywood Smothers flips from Alabama to Texas
Hollywood Smothers is not going to Alabama.
The former NC State running back committed to the Crimson Tide a few days ago. On Sunday, he canceled his commitment to Texas, according to On3.
This is a major blow for the Longhorns, as they have now added two significant transfers at the running back position. Shortly after Smothers committed to Alabama, Texas obtained a commitment from RB Raleek Brown from Arizona State.
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Smothers totaled 939 yards and six touchdowns on just 160 carries in 2025. During his career at NC State, he averaged six yards per carry over two seasons and also caught 57 passes for 453 yards and three touchdowns.
Brown rushed 186 times for 1,141 yards and four scores in 2025 during his second season at Arizona State.
Both Texas and Alabama entered the offseason needing to improve their running games. Texas has clearly done so while Alabama is still searching for answers. The Crimson Tide’s leading rusher in 2025 was Jam Miller. He had only 504 yards, while Daniel Hill, the team’s second leading rusher, had fewer than 300 yards rushing as Alabama averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.
Texas averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 2025 and Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter both entered the transfer portal late in the season.
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Brown and Smothers could form one of the best running duos in the country in 2026 as Texas prepares for the College Football Playoff with Arch Manning. The Longhorns also picked up a commitment from former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman on Sunday. Coleman was considered the best wide receiver in the transfer portal.
