Texas · SECJustin Cryer Gives Texas a Two-Deep at Linebacker After Ty’Anthony Smith’s Exit
Justin Cryer’s rise has become one of Texas’ most important offseason developments. His emergence gives the Longhorns a legitimate two-deep at linebacker and reduces the damage caused by Ty’Anthony Smith’s departure.
AUG 22, 2026
01 · The NewsWhat Happened
Texas linebacker Justin Cryer has emerged as one of the Longhorns’ most important developments this offseason. His rise gives Texas a legitimate two-deep at linebacker, easing the effect of Ty’Anthony Smith’s departure. Cryer’s breakthrough changes the shape of the position room. Instead of entering the season with Smith’s absence sitting over the group, Texas now has a second linebacker option it can trust in the rotation. The report doesn’t provide a depth-chart order, playing-time projection, or further details on how the snaps will be divided. The immediate news is that Cryer has made the departure less damaging than it might have been.