The Good And Not So Good From Texas Longhorns Second Scrimmage of Fall Camp

The Texas Longhorns are one step closer toward beginning these season after wrapping up the second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday.

The scrimmage setting allows Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff to get a better look at what both the offense and defense are capable of headed into 2026.

The Longhorns are far from a finished product, something Sarkisian emphasized while meeting with the media after the scrimmage.

The Good

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kosi Okpala

Less than 24 hours after the team announced the dismissal of Ty'Anthony Smith, freshman linebacker Kosi Okpala showed that he's ready to step into notable role this season.

Sarkisian said that Okpala had an interception return for a touchdown during the scrimmage.

In doing so, he showed off his athleticism by tipping the ball to himself with one hand before securing it and running toward the end zone, much to the delight of his teammates.

Texas WR Emmett Mosley V

Emmett Mosley V was limited during the spring after recovering from ankle surgery but he's been impressing during fall camp.

That continued during Saturday's scrimmage, as he caught two touchdown passes, one from Arch Manning.

Mosley might be one of the best No. 3 passing options in the SEC, something he showed flashes of as the WR2 last season.

The Defense

It's clear that Will Muschamp has the defense playing well during fall camp, something that will hopefully translate once the season begins.

Sarkisian said that the defense created four takeaways, which was highlighted by the aforementioned pick-six from Okpala.

"I thought defensively they really showed up ready to go today," Sarkisian said. "I would probably argue that the last two days, the offense got the better of the defense. I thought that the defense came ready to go today. I think they created four turnovers. I think they created plenty of third-and-longs. I think they rushed the passer. They were sticky in coverage. With that being said, there were things that they need to improve upon, too."

The Not So Good

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

The Offense Was "Sloppy"

As the play-caller, Sarkisian clearly has a high standard he wants the offense to reach.

It doesn't appear that they reached that level on Saturday, at least in Sarkisian's eyes.

"I thought offensively, it just was it was too sloppy for my liking," Sarkisian said. "I feel like we should be better, more efficient from an offensive perspective. Again, that's not to say that there weren't some good things."

"Just too many errors occurring on the offensive side of the ball today, that is uncharacteristic for what we've put on tape in practice, and so we've got to get back to that mentality."

Arch Manning's Efficiency

Despite throwing two touchdowns during the scrimmage, Sarkisian said that Manning was "a little bit inefficient."

"I felt like today, similar to last week at the start, a little bit inefficient I feel like he could be better," Sarkisian said.

Some fans might see these comments and think the sky is falling, but Sarkisian clearly holds Manning to a high standard.

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