Hollywood Smothers Reneges on Commitment to Alabama, Chooses Texas

Smothers, a former NC State tailback, initially committed to join Alabama out of the transfer portal six days ago.

Nov 15, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; NC State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) carries the football against Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Justin Scott (5) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Alabama football transfer class has taken a hit on the offensive side. Per a Sunday afternoon report from On3, former NC State running back Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers is flipping his portal commitment from the Crimson Tide to Texas.

Smothers rushed for 939 yards this past season en route to earning First Team All-ACC recognition. He originally committed to Alabama on Jan. 5. As of Sunday afternoon, his profile picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) showed himself with a Crimson Tide flag. He changed it shortly after his new destination was announced.

He was slated to be one of the new pieces in the Crimson Tide's offensive backfield, which will be without Jam Miller and Dre Washington in the fall due to expired eligibility and also lost Richard Young to the transfer portal. Along with the offensive line, Alabama's running game had its share of struggles this past season, thereby increasing quarterback Ty Simpson's responsibilities.

Alabama will now have to look elsewhere for its needs at the tailback position. Smothers, a redshirt sophomore in 2025, totaled 1,128 total yards in his final season with the Wolfpack. He had six rushing touchdowns, which would have placed him in a tie for first on the 2025-26 Alabama team, and seven touchdowns overall.

The offense does have rising junior Daniel Hill, whose playing time increased beginning in October. When Miller struggled with health issues late in the campaign, it was often Hill to whom the unit turned. Hill netted 56 rushing yards in the College Football Playoff, finishing his sophomore year with 284 yards on 75 carries (and six scores). Kevin Riley, who went to Tuscaloosa County High School, saw extended action when Miller missed the first three games of the 2025 regular season.

Rushing woes were prevalent for Alabama with or without Miller, who missed the SEC Championship Game last month but made it back in time to be able to play in the College Football Playoff. He did not make his regular season debut until Sept. 27 at Georgia.

Five-star Ezavier Crowell, who was one of the top in-state 2026 prospects, will be one of the new faces in the room. The transfer portal, which officially opened on Jan. 2, will not close until Jan. 16. That means there is time remaining for the Crimson Tide program to evaluate whether it still wishes to add a transfer to its group of running backs.