Wide receiver Johntay Cook was one of the most highly touted recruits in Texas’ 2023 class. The signing of the 5-star prospect was considered a significant victory for UT head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, given Cook’s status as a standout talent from DeSoto, Texas.
However, Cook’s time in Austin proved challenging. As playing time became scarce during his sophomore season, he opted to leave the Texas program in November and entered the transfer portal. Not long after, he committed to the Washington Huskies, a move celebrated by Husky fans as Cook was expected to bolster their wide receiver corps and compete for a starting role. He was the only wide receiver the Huskies acquired from the portal and was regarded as the jewel of their transfer class.
Shortly after his transfer, Cook publicly criticized his former Texas teammate, quarterback Quinn Ewers. When reports emerged that Ewers had received a nearly $6 million offer to transfer to another program, Cook commented on social media, “Wasting y’all money fr [for real].”
Despite the optimism surrounding his arrival at Washington, Cook’s tenure with the Huskies was unexpectedly short. According to Scott Eklund of Dawgman247, Cook was dismissed from the team. While details of the dismissal remain unclear, it marks a sudden and disappointing turn for a player once seen as a rising star. Cook’s dismissal leaves a significant void in Washington’s transfer class, as he was anticipated to play a key role in their offensive strategy.
During his time with the Longhorns, Cook played in 19 games across two seasons. Known for his dynamic abilities and knack for making critical plays, he had shown flashes of brilliance that made him a prized recruit and a hopeful addition to the Huskies. His future now remains uncertain as he navigates this unexpected setback.
