This morning Inside Texas published this news. Second-year wide receiver Johntay Cook is no longer with the Texas program. Given his talent, the downside is worth considering, even if he has been a poor performer this season with just eight receptions.

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Despite his lack of playing time since the Mississippi State game, there can be no denying that he is a talented player who was considered a great future player when he signed in the 2023 class. Back then, both coaches and fans dreamed of it Arch Manning to Johntay Cook connections on repeat.

While it’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out, Texas will do just fine in Texas thanks to three factors:

1. Current squad talent

Cook’s departure has a much bigger impact on next season than this one. The coaches have a fixed starting trio Isaiah Bond, DeAndre MooreAnd Matthew Golden. They are being held back Ryan Wingo And Silas Bolden. Five receivers getting playing time is considered a pretty big rotation Steve Sarkisian So, barring a slew of injuries, Texas should be fine.

Bond is injured but will play against Florida this weekend.

Much of the current talent and performance in the squad will carry over to next year. In all likelihood, Bond will go to the NFL. Golden’s future is yet to be determined. Bolden will have exhausted his eligibility. But Wingo will be a star next year and Moore, given his recent play, could become one before the end of this season. They will be focal points.

If Golden returns, Texas can do major damage with a trio of Wingo, Moore and Golden.

Younger guys like Parker Livingstone And Aaron Butler also have a chance to earn snaps. Ryan Niblett can also return to receiver after unselfishly switching to running back this season.

2. Incoming signatories

In Kaliq Lockett, Jaime FrenchAnd Daylan McCutcheonTexas signed three studs in the 2025 class.

Yes, McCutcheon is a stud. In fact, he might end up being the most ready to play. Shortly after Moore arrived we were told not to sleep on him. We already say the same thing about DM.

I love the idea of ​​McCutcheon learning behind Moore and Ffrench learning behind Wingo. The younger guys are very similar to the older guys. And considering Golden has become the go-to guy in clutch and red zone situations, I think that fits Lockett’s role perfectly.

Could Texas add a fourth receiver in the class? Knowing how greedy Sark and Chris Jackson When it comes to accumulating talent at the position, I wouldn’t rule it out.

Cook’s departure is certainly a variable that could change the class numbers, although the IT department knows the staff loves the current three so the coaches can stand by them. I tend to believe that the remaining defense needs are much more pressing.

3. The portal

IT has not yet heard of the staff’s intention to target a player from within the portal, but Sark has had some success with Bond and Golden Adonai Mitchell in front of them.

Texas has an attractive offense with star-making power and Manning is preparing to begin his career in earnest.

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At least it’s nice to know the portal is there when they need it, but the position already has a lot of good things to offer considering current and new talent.