Texas Longhorns fans have wondered where WR Johntay Cook is since he only took a handful of snaps against the Oklahoma Sooners a few weeks ago. The answer? Not on the team.
Reports surfaced that the sophomore left the program, and head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed his departure on Thursday: “We’ve had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on. We have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
With the expectation that Cook will enter the transfer portal when it opens for underclassmen on Dec. 9, which landing spots make the most sense?
Where Will Johntay Cook Transfer?
Cook would be one of the top available players in the portal, as he was a five-star signee in the 2023 class. He had several blueblood programs fighting for his services but ultimately landed with the Longhorns, calling himself a “Sarkisian receiver.”
Yet, just two seasons later, Cook is no longer with the team after hauling in just 16 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns in his Texas tenure.
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Sarkisian called the move “mutual” after some reports stated the team dismissed Cook. However, the WR is clearly disgruntled, reposting the following on X:
It’s crazy how Texas didn’t want this man to Succeed
1: They burned his redshirt in year 1 when they didn’t need to
2: year 2 instead of letting him get more playing time, they grab 3 WRs in the portal and Buried him on the depth Chart
NIL bag Recruiting folks https://t.co/bCyKdQCFpV
— JAE (@OkieFBfan) November 7, 2024
Now, he’ll have a chance to hit the open market and find a team that fits his skill set and expectations.
Oregon Ducks
After Cook committed to Texas in the summer leading up to his senior season, teams still attempted to lure him away.
“They are definitely schools still recruiting me. They’re still trying,” Cook said in 2022. “The only coaching staff I really text back is Oregon. That’s just because I really liked Oregon, really liked the coaches.”
With co-offensive coordinator/WRs coach Junior Adams, who recruited Cook with the Ducks, still in Eugene, perhaps the WR sends one last text. The program is clearly one of the best in the nation, particularly on offense. Cook could fill the Tez Johnson role in Will Stein’s offense while playing on another national championship contender.
Texas A&M Aggies
Yet another co-OC/WRs coach who recruited Cook out of high school is Holmon Wiggins, who is now with the Texas A&M Aggies after targeting the WR with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Aggies are on the rise under Mike Elko, and with freshman QB Marcel Reed the present and future of the program, College Station could be an attractive destination for Cook. Plus, he’ll have a chance to unseat his former team in 2025.
SMU Mustangs
NIL offerings? Check. High school offer? Check. Hometown proximity? Check. Offensive production? Also, check.
There are more reasons for Cook to join the SMU Mustangs than not, especially with Rhett Lashlee’s squad surging at the right time and QB Kevin Jennings just a sophomore.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan was one of the finalists for Cook’s commitment two years ago, so don’t be surprised if the Wolverines reach out once he enters the portal. Ron Bellamy, Michigan’s WRs coach, was Cook’s lead recruiter back then, so there’s already built-in familiarity.
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With the Wolverines’ passing game among the nation’s worst in 2024, they’re in serious need of a big-play target. And with a new quarterback likely on their radar, the chance to revamp the offense adds even more intrigue.
Ole Miss Rebels
As long as Lane Kiffin is at the helm, Ole Miss has a good shot at landing several high-profile transfers. After pulling in an impressive portal class in 2024 — with many of those players making an instant impact — the Rebels know their national title window is open.
They’ve shown they can buy talent when needed, and with WRs Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins likely headed to the NFL, there’s plenty of room to add playmakers.
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