Former four-star sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II is departing from the Texas football program and entering the transfer portal, as confirmed by head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Thursday Zoom call.
While no official reason has been given for Cook’s departure, it’s believed to be related to limited playing time. The DeSoto native tallied eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season, with his last catch coming in Texas’ Week 5 game against Mississippi State on September 28.
Sarkisian described the decision as a mutual one between Cook and the program.
Cook’s departure is unlikely to disrupt the No. 5 Longhorns’ receiving corps. Currently, he ranks seventh on the team in receiving yards and is tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns.
Though Cook was expected to take on a larger role in the 2024 season, new additions to the roster pushed him down the depth chart. Junior transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, along with returning sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr., have secured the three starting receiver spots, while five-star freshman Ryan Wingo has emerged as the fourth option.
Sarkisian acknowledged that with the talent Texas has accumulated, role changes are inevitable but expressed hope that Cook will find success at his next destination.
“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, which was the program’s best since 2019. Among his class, he was joined by highly rated recruits such as second-string redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning (the top overall recruit), five-star sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and sophomore running back CJ Baxter, all of whom were rated higher than Cook.
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