Former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers spoke about his transfer decision on Thursday.
Coming off of a career year in Raleigh, Smothers initially committed to Alabama after entering the transfer portal earlier this month. However, Smothers didn’t sign with the Crimson Tide and instead will play the 2026 season at Texas.
In an interview with On3’s Pete Nakos, Smothers said NIL money didn’t play a “big factor” in his decision, instead saying he felt like Texas gave him the best chance to “win it all” in 2026.
“NIL didn’t play a big factor for me,” Smothers told On3. “I honestly just want to win, and I feel like we are in the best position to go win it all with the talent and depth at Texas.”
Smothers will be joined in the Texas backfield by Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown, so the Longhorns certainly have a high level of depth at running back going into next season. Texas was also aggressive elsewhere in the portal, landing players like former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman and ex-Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles.
Smothers rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 season with the Wolfpack. He’s expected to be a big part of the Texas offense next fall.
Alabama’s running back depth chart in 2026 is expected to include returners such as Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear. Jam Miller has declared for the NFL Draft and will not be back in Tuscaloosa in 2026.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
