Former four-star sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II is leaving Texas football and entering the transfer portal, head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed in a Thursday Zoom meeting.
There is no official reason for the announcement, but it’s assumed Cook’s decision comes from the lack of playing time. The DeSoto native recorded eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns on the season, though Cook’s last reception came in Texas’ Week 5 matchup against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.
“It was mutual between the two of us,” Sarkisian said.
Cook’s departure shouldn’t halt the No. 5 Longhorns’ receiving room. Cook is currently seventh on the roster in receiving yards and tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns.
Cook was expected to take on a bigger role for the 2024 season, but new additions to the roster caused him to be buried on the depth chart. Offseason junior transfers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden and returning sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr. hold the three starting receiving spots, while five-star freshman Ryan Wingo has blossomed into the fourth man.
Sarkisian noted that with the collection of talent that Texas has accumulated, role changes are bound to happen, but hopes Cook finds success in his new landing spot.
“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 a part of the No. 3 overall recruiting class Texas had in 2023, its best since 2019. Another member of Cook’s class includes second-string redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning, who was the top overall recruit. Five-star sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and sophomore running back CJ Baxter were the two other players rated higher than Cook.
