Hollywood Smothers opts out of Alabama deal: goes to Texas

January 12, 2026 – TUSCALOOSA – Talented North Carolina State running back Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers, after committing to the Tide and enrolling in classes at Alabama, left this weekend to visit Texas. While there he signed papers committing him to the Longhorns who apparently offered more money than Alabama.

Smothers had been seen as the top pickup for the Tide in the transfer portal. According to media reports, he apparently did not sign his NIL deal papers to play for Alabama. All the Tide had was a verbal commitment, which Smothers and his representation decided was not binding so flipped the commitment to the Longhorns.

Smothers was a 2023 recruit signed by Oklahoma. He transferred to N.C. State after his freshman season, where he broke out as a starter late in 2024. During the 2025 season he rushed for 939 rushing yards. 189 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns to earn first‑Team All‑ACC honors.

This news is a disappointment for fans of the Crimson Tide which has had a lackluster transfer portal signing season thus far. Alabama was hoping to upgrade on the offensive line and in the running backs room. Thus far Alabama's portal class is ranked number 59 in the country by On3's latest ratings.

Alabama has had difficulty in the transfer portal, partially due to a lack of funds. Bama was not in the top twenty in NIL spending in 2025 and thus far they have struggled to raise money in 2026. Teams like Texas A&M, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Texas, and Miami are outspending Alabama. Bama also either did not have a well thought out plan for the portal, or what they had planned to do has not worked.

On Friday, Alabama was able to lock down quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell to new NIL deals to keep them both in the program. They also signed Michigan offensive lineman Kayden Strayhorn, who is projected to be the starting center after Parker Brailsford declared for the NFL draft and Joseph Ianata left in the portal.

Texas A&M has signed a deal with former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton. Horton led the Tide in touchdown catches in 2025. Former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman will join Smothers at Texas.

2026 will be head Coach Kalen DeBoer's third season coaching the Tide.

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