Isaiah Bond injury update: Latest on Texas WR ahead of matchup vs. Clemson

Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond left the SEC Championship Game against Georgia with an ankle injury. Bond has been working to get back for the College Football Playoff opener against Clemson.

However, according to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, he is not expected to contribute much against the Tigers, if he plays at all.

Get your team’s official College Football Playoff watch from AXIA by CLICKING HERE: “Watches that tell so much more than time”

“One big potential loss today for Texas is wide receiver Isaiah Bond,” Thamel said Saturday on ESPN College GameDay. “He’s obviously their starting slot, a projected first-round pick. He’s unlikely to play and he certainly isn’t going to contribute significantly.

“I’ve been told he may try and warm up today for that Clemson game, but do not expect him to have an impact on the game plan. Look for Ryan Wingo, the five-star freshman, to get his time to shine today.”

Isaiah Bond is the third-leading receiver for Texas with 33 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns. He missed nearly a month earlier this season due to an ankle injury and finally appeared healthy, before re-aggravating it against Georgia.

Bond did not practice Monday, Inside Texas’ Joe Cook previously detailed. Freshman Ryan Wingo has been working out in the slot this week in Bond’s place.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the staff shut Isaiah Bond down last week to make sure he was getting healthier. 

“We’re obviously much more dynamic when he’s on the field,” Sarkisian said. “When he’s not, finding different ways to create some of those (explosive plays) to offset some of the things we don’t get when he’s there. Optimistic that he’ll be able to go Saturday. Time always tells especially with the injury he’s got.”

As for Ryan Wingo, he was ranked as the No. 38 overall player in the country for the class of 2024, per the On3 Industry Rankings. Wingo has 24 catches for 394 yards and two touchdowns on the season.

While the news about Isaiah Bond isn’t great, the good news for Texas is that the Longhorns are expected to get back left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. for the game against the Tigers.

“There’s better news for the Longhorns on the offensive line,” Thamel said. “Kelvin Banks obviously missed the SEC title game with an ankle sprain. He’s been practicing limited this week, but I’ve been told he’s going to be back and he’s going to be ready to go for the Longhorns.”