Johntay Cook II Leaves Texas; WR Is Former 5-Star Prospect

David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook II has left the program, according to ESPN's Max Olson .

Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed his departure.

"We've had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on," Sarkisian told reporters in a media call. "We have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Cook caught eight passes for 136 yards as a true freshman in 2023, and that production mirrors his 2024 return (eight receptions, 137 yards, two touchdowns).

The DeSoto, Texas, native was a big addition to the Longhorns' 2023 recruiting class. A 5-star recruit, he was 29th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings .

It's unclear what precipitated Cook's decision, though his usage had started to tail off. His last catch came in the 35-13 victory over Mississippi State on Sept. 28. He was held without a reception in the 34-3 demolition of Oklahoma and didn't see the field at all in Texas' two subsequent games.

Cook might've simply gotten crowded out in a receiving corps that includes Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr.

Given both his 5-star status and production as a secondary target though two seasons, Cook is likely to get plenty of interest in the transfer portal. A change of scenery will also allow him the opportunity to find an offense in which he'll have a bigger role next year.