Isaiah Bond injury update: Major update emerges on Texas WR for Peach Bowl vs. Arizona State

Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond will play for the Longhorns against Arizona State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Bond didn’t play in Texas’ opening-round win over Clemson after suffering the ankle injury in the Longhorns’ SEC Championship loss.

Bond boasts 33 receptions, 532 yards and five touchdowns this season. Bond is a constant home run threat, averaging 16.1 yards per reception, tied for the second-most on the team.

Bond had his best game of the season in Texas 56-7 win over UTSA when he erupted for 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five catches. Bond has the chance to generate another stellar showing on New Year’s Day.

While Arizona State’s defense has generally been stellar this season, its secondary has been a weak point. The Sun Devils have allowed 219.4 passing yards per game, ranking in the bottom half of the country.

Isaiah Bond’s likelihood of having an excellent game only improves when considering that Texas will be missing another receiver. On Saturday, Longhorns wide receiver Johntay Cook II committed to Washington, via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Texas WR Johntay Cook II transfers to Washington

Cook spent two seasons at Texas and will have two years of eligibility remaining. In the 2024 campaign, Cook tallied eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Those numbers were nearly identical to his true freshman season in 2023 when he recorded eight catches for 136 yards. However, he didn’t score a touchdown that season. Ahead of the 2024 season, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Cook’s talent.

“Johntay can play any position on the field,” Sarkisian said. “I think that’s where he creates a lot of value for himself. He’s a sure-handed guy that understands our offense and has a really good feel for what we’re doing.

“I think he’s had a very good camp, and I’ve applauded him throughout camp for the work that he’s done because I think he’s made a lot of strides as well.”

Johntay Cook II played high school football at DeSoto (TX), where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 31 overall recruit and the No. 3 wide receiver in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.