The Texas Longhorns could be without one of their best players on Saturday when they take on the Tennessee Vols.

According to CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz, there is “legitimate concern” that Texas running back Hollywood Smothers will miss the Tennessee game due to a lower leg injury.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Smothers didn’t practice on Thursday.

There’s legitimate concern that Texas standout running back Hollywood Smothers could end up missing the Longhorns’ game against No. 14 Tennessee, sources tell @CBSSports.

No final determination made at this point but the status of Smothers (lower leg) is very much in question. pic.twitter.com/esxerYgtqE

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 25, 2026

Smothers was one of the Longhorns’ top transfer portal additions last offseason.

Tennessee showed interest in Smothers before he landed at Texas (Smothers actually first committed to Alabama before flipping to Texas), but the two sides weren’t a fit for each other.

Smothers has rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns in three games this season. He’s the Longhorns’ leading rusher.

If Smothers is out, senior Raleek Brown would step into the lead running back role for Texas. Brown has rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns this season (he rushed for 1,141 yards at Arizona State last season).

Brown is capable of carrying the load for Texas, but losing Smothers would still be a big blow for the Longhorns.

If Smothers does suit up, it’ll be his second time facing the Vols. In 2024, Smothers rushed for 25 yards on six carries in NC State’s 51-10 loss to Tennessee.