Johntay Cook II Back in the Transfer Portal: A Prime Opportunity for Penn State’s WR Corps
Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Johntay Cook II is back on the market after a short-lived stint with the Washington Huskies. Following a mutual decision to part ways with Washington, Cook re-entered the transfer portal, becoming one of the top wide receiver options available as Penn State seeks to bolster its receiving corps.
The Nittany Lions, led by head coach James Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, are in dire need of talent at wide receiver after losing their top two targets, Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans, to the transfer portal. While Penn State had previously secured Kyron Hudson from USC and Devonte Ross from Troy, those moves were made before Wallace and Evans’ departures, leaving the team thin at the position.
Cook, a 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore, was a five-star recruit in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He spent two seasons at Texas, recording eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns in his second year after a similar performance as a freshman. Despite underwhelming numbers, Cook’s raw talent and potential continue to draw attention across college football.
After transferring to Washington earlier this offseason, Cook and Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch agreed to part ways within days. Now, Cook is ranked as the 14th best wide receiver in the transfer portal, per 247Sports, and remains the top unsigned option. Other unsigned wideouts include Wallace (No. 17) and Cortez Braham Jr. (No. 105).
For Penn State, which has national championship aspirations in 2025, taking a chance on Cook could be a game-changing move. While Franklin and Kotelnicki may rely on their current group of receivers—including Hudson, Ross, and rising redshirt freshman Tyseer Denmark—Cook’s addition could add much-needed depth and upside to the roster.
Although the losses of Wallace and Evans, who combined for zero receptions in Penn State’s Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame, are not catastrophic, the program has yet to fully address its most glaring weakness. With star quarterback Drew Allar and a dynamic backfield featuring Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, Penn State has the tools to contend but must solidify its receiving options.
Whether Franklin decides to roll the dice on Cook or wait until the transfer portal reopens in the spring, one thing is clear: Penn State’s success in 2025 could hinge on this critical decision.
