Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian announced in a Zoom call Thursday that sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II, a former four-star recruit, is entering the transfer portal. Although an official reason wasn’t given, it’s widely believed that Cook’s limited playing time influenced his decision. The DeSoto native logged eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season, with his last catch coming in Texas’ Week 5 game against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.
“It was mutual between the two of us,” Sarkisian explained.
Cook’s exit is not expected to impact the No. 5-ranked Longhorns’ receiving corps. Currently, Cook ranks seventh in receiving yards and is tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns on the team. Originally anticipated to play a larger role in 2024, Cook’s position on the depth chart was affected by the arrival of junior transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, as well as sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr., who now hold the top three starting receiver spots. Additionally, five-star freshman Ryan Wingo has emerged as the fourth option.
Sarkisian acknowledged that Texas’ deep talent pool naturally brings shifts in roles but expressed his best wishes for Cook’s future.
“We have nothing but respect for him and his family,” Sarkisian said. “(We) wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Cook was part of Texas’ highly-ranked 2023 recruiting class, the Longhorns’ strongest since 2019, which also included standout recruits like redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning, sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and sophomore running back CJ Baxter.
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