He played a recurring role as Jake Ryan in the television series Hannah Montana, and was a contestant on the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, in which he was partnered with Julianne Hough and finished fourth.

Linley made his acting debut in the 1998 made-for-television film Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack.

Subsequently, he had supporting roles in four films released in 2000: My Dog Skip, Where the Heart Is, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Miss Congeniality.

In 2003, Linley was in the independent film When Zachary Beaver Came to Town and appeared in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.

[3] He and his professional dance partner Julianne Hough were eliminated on November 18, finishing in fourth place.