Texas DB Jordon Johnson-Rubell switched to LB after Smith dismissal

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After last week's dismissal of linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith for "conduct detrimental to team," the Longhorns are short on inside linebackers going into the 2026 season. On Wednesday, they made a move to fill the gap and switched junior safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell to LB.

Texas is down to just seven inside linebackers on scholarship. Smith was expected to play a major role this year, along with Rasheem Biles, Justin Cryer, Brad Spence, and three talented freshmen headlined by Tyler Atkinson.

Looking for more depth, UT coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp have decided swiching Johnson-Rubell to the position is the best option. The Fort Worth product has the size, mentality and experience to hopefully handle the move.

After graduating from IMG Academy in Florida, where he became an Under Armour All-American, Johnson-Rubell signed with the Longhorns as a part of the 2024 recruiting class. He picked Texas over Michigan, Ohio State and TCU.

Johnson-Rubell will be undersized for a linebacker, but he isn't that far off from what Smith was. Johnson-Rubell is 5-foot-10 and 212-pounds, while Smith is 6-foot-1 and 216-pounds.

Last season, Johnson-Rubell saw his playing time on defense decrease as he was passed on the safety depth chart by Jonah Williams and Xavier Filsaime. Johnson-Rubell allowed a 43-yard reception early in the season against San Jose State and was frequently targeted by Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where he gave up four catches on five targets for 47 yards.

Over the offseason, Johnson-Rubell bulked up and put on muscle, going from 189-pounds to his current 212-pounds. That will help in his new spot as a WILL LB. He is a good open-field tackler and has always thrived in run-support.

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas DB Jordon Johnson-Rubell switched to LB after Smith dismissal

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