Former five-star wide receiver is leaving the Texas Longhorns and entering the transfer portal, as confirmed by head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Thursday Zoom meeting.
While no official reason was given for the decision, it is believed that Cook’s limited playing time played a role. The DeSoto native has recorded eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season, with his last reception coming in Texas’ Week 5 game against Mississippi State on September 28.
“This was a mutual decision between us,” Sarkisian explained.
Cook’s departure is unlikely to significantly impact the No. 5 Longhorns’ receiving corps. He currently ranks seventh on the team in receiving yards and is tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns. Though Cook was expected to take on a bigger role in 2024, new roster additions pushed him down the depth chart. Junior transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, along with sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr., currently occupy the starting receiver positions, while five-star freshman Ryan Wingo has emerged as the fourth option.
Sarkisian acknowledged that roster depth creates challenges in managing roles but expressed optimism 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 regarded 2023 recruiting class, ranked No. 3 nationally—the program’s best since 2019. The class also included notable players such as redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning, the top overall recruit, as well as five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and running back CJ Baxter, both of whom were ranked higher than Cook.
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