The Biggest Takeaways From Texas Longhorns Second Scrimmage of Fall Camp

The Texas Longhorns completed their second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday exactly two weeks out from the start of the season against Texas State.

Texas had an eventful week leading up to the scrimmage, which featured star left tackle Trevor Goosby suffering a bone bruise in his knee along with the team dismissing linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian met with the media after the scrimmage and shared his thoughts on how the team performed during live action.

Emmett Mosley Leads Texas WR Room With 2 TDs

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) runs the bal in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texas wide receiver Emmett Mosley V is one of the more underrated players on the 2026 roster, but that simply shouldn't be the case.

He continues to impress in fall camp. Sarkisian said that Mosley caught two touchdowns during the scrimmage, connecting with Arch Manning on one.

Sarkisian added that Ryan Wingo and Jermaine Bishop Jr. also caught touchdowns. Perhaps it was a lighter day of work for Cam Coleman, and Mosley certainly took advantage.

No Injuries to Report

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fans are always fearful of injuries during scrimmages, especially after the recent ailment that Goosby picked up.

But thankfully, Sarkisian said that the team didn't suffer any major injuries on Saturday, a trend that will need to keep up during the final days of fall camp.

"No injuries, that's positive," Sarkisian said. "When a lot of teams around the country are having to scrimmage and guys are going down, so I think it speaks to the conditioning of the team."

Arch Manning "A Little Bit Inefficient," Throws 2 TDs

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sarkisian was once against honest about the performance of Arch Manning.

After throwing two interceptions in last week's scrimmage, Sarkisian said that Manning had a good week of practice but that he could've been better during the second scrimmage. That said, he still threw two touchdowns during the live period.

"Today, similar to last week at the start, a little bit inefficient," Sarkisian said of Manning. "I feel like he could be better, but I love the way that he finished. Two touchdowns there at the end in a highly-competitive situation. Touchdown to Wingo, touchdown to Mosley, and I think he played 50 or so snaps today, if not more."

Young LBs Stepping Up After Ty'Anthony Smith's Dismissal

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith (26) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

With Ty'Anthony Smith no longer on the roster, the Longhorns need other names to step up.

Early signs are positive in that regard, as Sarkisian said that true freshman linebacker Kosi Okpala had an interception return for a touchdown during the scrimmage.

The Longhorns are also expecting big things from freshman linebacker Tyler Atkinson. There will certainly will be some growing pains but it appears there won't be too much of a drop-off after Smith's exit headed into the season.

Texas LB Justin Cryer Continues to Impress

Sarkisian continues to deliver heavy praise toward Florida State linebacker Justin Cryer.

All signs are pointing to Cryer being the starter at MIKE linebacker in the season opener based on how he's performed during fall camp, but even more so after Smith's dismissal.

"This guy is doing everything in his power to maximize this opportunity this season for his personal growth and success, but also to be part of a championship caliber team, and you can feel it in the way that he walks into the building every single day," Sarkisian said of Cryer. " ... He's playing it at a high level for us right now."

Steve Sarkisian is Pleased With the Running Game

The Longhorns will lean on all three of Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown and Derrek Cooper at running back this season.

Texas needs to be better on the ground after a dreadful rushing season last year, but Sarkisian continues to be pleased with what he's getting at that position.

"I think we're running the ball well," Sarkisian said. "I've been really proud of the guys. I think that regardless of who's been in there, there's been real intent with our ability to run the ball, and I think the runners help that. Those guys are really good runners. They're natural. They set up blocks. We're not perfect, but I think you have to have intent when you're trying to run the ball, and we've been very intentional. We've been very aggressive in our team run periods."

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