Sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II is leaving the Texas Longhorns and entering the transfer portal, as confirmed by head coach Steve Sarkisian in a Thursday Zoom call. Although no official reason was provided, it’s likely Cook’s limited playing time influenced his decision. The DeSoto native posted eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season, with his last reception in Texas’ Week 5 game against Mississippi State on September 28.
“It was mutual between the two of us,” Sarkisian stated.
Despite Cook’s departure, the No. 5 Longhorns’ receiving corps remains strong. Currently seventh in receiving yards and tied for fifth in touchdowns, Cook faced increased competition with the arrival of transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden and the rise of sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr. and standout freshman Ryan Wingo.
Sarkisian acknowledged that depth can lead to role shifts, wishing Cook well: “We have nothing but respect for him and his family,” he said. “(We) wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Cook was part of Texas’ impressive 2023 recruiting class, ranked No. 3 overall, which also included high-profile recruits like quarterback Arch Manning, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and running back CJ Baxter.
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