Just a few years ago, the Texas Longhorns recruited five-star wide receiver Johntay Cook II to play for their program. Then, after two less-than-ideal seasons, Cook entered the transfer portal, and that's when a rocky journey really started to present itself.
The former Texas wideout committed to the Washington Huskies in December of 2024, but was with the program for just two weeks before hitting the transfer portal again.
Then, Cook was arrested on various charges for property theft and interfering with public duties. However, he landed on his feet after the arrest, committing to the Syracuse Orange, where he played the 2025 season.
Cook earned 549 receiving yards for two touchdowns at Syracuse before entering the portal once again. Now, he is back in the SEC and preparing for his first season with the Ole Miss Rebels.
After the various moves and off-field distractions, many were worried about Cook's future in college football, but based on reports and videos coming out of Ole Miss's fall camp, it seems like the former Longhorn has finally found his footing with the Rebels.
In a recent clip from the Rebels' camp, Cook could be seen running an extremely clean route and confidently catching a perfect pass before turning toward the end zone in a drill.
Johntay Cook breakout year Incoming 🔥🕐 pic.twitter.com/rtL6t5MzEC
— olemisseverything (@olemissevery) August 16, 2026
In fact, in various reports coming out of Oxford, Cook has reportedly been one of the biggest standout players as Ole Miss's fall camp has unfolded.
Johntay Cook II and Texas Longhorns set for regular-season reunion
While the Horns and head coach Steve Sarkisian have been removed from Cook's journey for well over a year and a half, they will actually get a reunion with their former wide receiver this fall.
On Oct. 24, the Rebels are scheduled to visit Texas, reuniting Cook with his former teammates and coaches, and returning him to the stadium he used to call home.
Cook is projected as a starting receiver for Ole Miss this season, alongside Deuce Alexander, Horatio Fields, and Caleb Cunningham. That means he would likely get a notable number of reps against the Longhorns.
However, after spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons on the 40 Acres, there are a few Texas defensive backs who know exactly how he likes to play.
Cornerback Kobe Black alongside safeties Jelani McDonald and Xavier Filsaime have the most experience in covering Cook at practices, overlapping at Texas for at least one season apiece with the wideout.
Also read: Projecting Texas football's 2026 depth chart before the start of fall camp
While Cook left the Longhorns and made his mistakes away from the game of football, he has clearly rediscovered his love and passion for the game. It looks as though he is going about it in all the right ways.
When Ole Miss comes to town, with Cook in tow, the Rebels and the Longhorns are going to kick off between 3:30 and 4:30 or 6 and 8 p.m. CT, with the matchup currently slotted as a "FLEX" game.
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