Texas football wide receiver Emmett Mosley V is the type of player who doesn’t scare you until you’re standing across from him.
That’s how star Longhorns corner Malik Muhammad explained it, anyway.
Article continues below this ad
“He’s so subtle,” Muhammad said Saturday after the Longhorns beat No. 9 Vanderbilt 34-31 at Royal-Memorial Stadium. “It’s not going to look great on video. When you get in front of him, it’s totally different.”
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Young Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Fireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
A truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Randy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
A Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
A young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Actor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Mosley did not scream 75 yards down the sideline like Ryan Wingo did, powering through one arm tackle before outrunning everyone else in his zip code. He does not terrorize defenses with blistering speed like Xavier Worthy once did around here, nor does he bully his way through the opposition like some of the big-bodied receivers who populate the NFL.
The ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Put away the radar gun and don’t worry so much about weight room exploits. Understanding Mosley’s excellence requires a look beyond the surface level.
Article continues below this ad
“I compare him to Keenan Allen,” Muhammad said, evoking the name of a 13-year NFL vet and the most productive wideout in Los Angeles Chargers history. “…He has elite short-area quickness. He’s strong. He’s got strong hands. Good route runner, and then he’s willing to block, too. He’s a smart receiver. He’s savvy.”
That tone-setting, 75-yard touchdown to Wingo was made possible by a block Mosley set on the boundary. The dirty work done, Mosley became the go-to guy for Arch Manning from that point forward. A thumb injury forced Wingo out of the game with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. He did not return. Mosley, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore transfer from Stanford, stepped to the forefront in the meantime.
Manning targeted Mosley 10 times from that point forward. He caught seven of those passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, easing past Vanderbilt corner Kolbey Taylor into a wide-open space.
MORE: Longhorns take down No. 9 Commodores 34-31 in complete SEC win
Article continues below this ad
Through seven games, the Texas corps of wide receivers had managed only tepid production. Nobody had emerged as a genuine top target on an offense that harbored no big-play threat.
But Wingo and Mosley have spent the last two weeks asserting themselves. Wingo has 273 yards over that span despite the injury. Sarkisian said he expects to have him back when the Longhorns visit Georgia in two weeks. Mosley has 122 yards and three crucial touchdowns, reeling in a basket, over-the-shoulder catch in the Longhorns’ comeback effort against Mississippi State, then securing the win with a memorable overtime toe tap in the corner of the end zone.
Mosley sat out for the first four games of the Longhorns’ season, recovering from an offseason injury. Once cleared, his introduction was gradual. Last week was the first time all season that he’d played 50 or more snaps.
ARCH MANNING: Texas football QB shows out for second straight game
Article continues below this ad
Featuring Mosley prominently against the Bulldogs and Commodores, the Longhorns averaged 8.5 yards per passing attempt. That’s up from 7.6 yards per attempt in their first seven games of the season — a sample which includes four games against Group of Five teams.
“He’s a really good player,” Manning said. “I’m glad he’s here. Just got to continue to get him the ball because he makes plays.”
What, specifically, is it that enables Mosley’s success? What’s he so good at?
“Just getting open,” Manning said.
Article continues below this ad
Maybe Muhammad’s right. To understand the art behind Mosley’s production, you have to feel the subtle sting of his paintbrush for yourself.
Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.