Texas faces major turnover at the wide receiver position heading into the 2025 season, but there are two standout players who have the coaching staff genuinely excited about the future.
The University of Texas football program is no stranger to change and evolution, and heading into the 2025 season, that transformation is most evident in the wide receiver room. After a productive and explosive 2024 campaign, Texas is now faced with the challenge of replacing a significant portion of its receiving production. With multiple departures due to NFL Draft declarations, eligibility expirations, and transfer portal movement, the Longhorns find themselves at a pivotal moment for their aerial attack. However, despite the looming questions and unproven depth, the coaching staff remains optimistic, and that confidence is largely due to two emerging players who have caught the eyes of the staff and are poised to lead this new era.
The reality is this: Texas lost a lot. The 2024 season saw a high-octane offense that was driven by a corps of veteran receivers who brought experience, explosiveness, and consistency to the passing game. The likes of Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and AD Mitchell formed a trio that not only helped elevate quarterback play but also posed a constant threat to opposing defenses. With those names now moving on, the Longhorns are tasked with filling a void that stretches beyond statistics. Leadership, timing, and big-game experience were all qualities that defined the previous group, and replicating that will take time.
Yet in the midst of these changes, the buzz around the program is real. Two young receivers in particular have emerged from the crowd, both in spring practice and summer workouts, as players who have the potential not just to contribute, but to lead. Their rise is not just about talent—it’s also about work ethic, football IQ, and the ability to respond to pressure situations in ways that remind the staff of past greats.
The first of these names is Johntay Cook II, a former five-star recruit out of DeSoto High School who has steadily climbed the ranks of Texas’ depth chart. Cook redshirted during his freshman season, spending that time absorbing the playbook, adjusting to the pace of the college game, and refining his route-running. Entering the 2025 season, Cook is no longer just a developmental player—he’s expected to be a primary target. Coaches have raved about his maturity, his film study habits, and most importantly, his chemistry with returning quarterback Arch Manning. Cook’s explosive speed and smooth acceleration make him a natural fit in Texas’ offensive scheme, which emphasizes vertical routes and quick separation.
He’s already demonstrated glimpses of brilliance during spring scrimmages and in closed-door practices. Insiders point to his ability to consistently win one-on-one matchups, especially against some of the top cornerbacks on the roster, as a sign that he’s ready for a breakout year. One assistant coach even went as far as to say, “He reminds me of a young CeeDee Lamb in the way he gets in and out of his breaks—he just glides.” If Cook lives up to even a fraction of that comparison, Texas will have a legitimate weapon to build their passing game around.
But he won’t be alone. The second player generating widespread excitement is DeAndre Moore Jr., another highly touted recruit who arrived with big expectations and has started to blossom at just the right time. Moore is a different type of receiver than Cook. While Cook thrives on speed and deep threat potential, Moore is more physical and polished across the middle of the field. His strong hands, fearless approach, and ability to make contested catches have earned him praise from the entire offensive staff. He has been described as a “security blanket” for quarterbacks—someone who can find soft spots in zone coverage and win in tight windows.
What makes Moore especially valuable is his versatility. He can line up in the slot or out wide, giving offensive coordinator Kyle Flood flexibility when scheming against different defensive looks. Throughout the summer, Moore has reportedly been one of the most vocal leaders during workouts, pushing not only himself but also his teammates to raise their standards. It’s that mix of toughness and leadership that has the coaching staff believing he can help set the tone for an otherwise young receiver group.
Of course, beyond Cook and Moore, there are other receivers in the mix. Players like Ryan Niblett and Isaiah Bond are expected to take on larger roles, and incoming freshmen like Parker Livingstone and Freddie Dubose Jr. bring raw talent and upside. However, it’s Cook and Moore who have become the focal point of Texas’ transition at wide receiver. They represent the new wave of playmakers who understand the standard and are hungry to make their mark.
Part of the excitement surrounding these two is also rooted in their rapport with Arch Manning. With Quinn Ewers now in the NFL, the Arch Manning era officially begins in Austin. While Manning’s name brings attention and expectations, what stands out most during summer workouts has been his growing connection with Cook and Moore. The three have been nearly inseparable on and off the field, working on timing, communication, and route adjustments. That continuity is critical, especially as Texas enters the SEC full-time, where defensive back play is fast, physical, and unforgiving.
The jump to the SEC adds another layer of pressure to this transition. Texas won’t have the luxury of easing into the season—the level of competition will demand immediate execution. That’s why the coaches aren’t just looking for talent; they’re looking for poise, mental toughness, and resilience. Both Cook and Moore have shown signs of those qualities in recent months, and it’s why the staff is placing so much trust in them.
Recruiting also plays into this storyline. The ascension of Cook and Moore is being used as a powerful example in the pitch to high school receivers across the country. Texas is showing that if you come in, work hard, and buy into the system, the opportunity to shine will be there. Several top targets in the 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes have cited the development of Cook and Moore as reasons they are seriously considering the Longhorns.
All of this optimism doesn’t mean the transition will be seamless. There will be growing pains. There will be missed assignments, drops, and moments of inexperience. But the belief inside the program is that these players have the right tools and mindset to grow through those moments and come out better on the other side. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has consistently preached development and competition, and with Cook and Moore leading the way, Texas feels they’re in good hands.
Strength and conditioning coach Torre Becton recently mentioned that both receivers have made huge strides physically, adding muscle without sacrificing speed. That physical transformation is going to help them withstand the rigors of SEC play and endure the grind of a long season. It also sends a message to the rest of the team that the bar has been raised.
What makes this story compelling is how quickly things can change in college football. One year ago, these two were promising prospects looking to carve out a role. Now, they’re centerpieces in a retooled offense, carrying not just the weight of expectation but also the hopes of an entire fanbase eager to see Texas return to national prominence. For a program that has long billed itself as “back,” this is the season where actions have to match words—and the wide receiver group is going to play a massive role in determining that outcome.
In the end, the loss of star power from the previous season is undeniable, but it doesn’t mean Texas is starting from scratch. The emergence of Johntay Cook II and DeAndre Moore Jr. offers a bridge between the past and the future—two players who are not just ready to take the next step but are prepared to lead others with them. And in a year filled with change, those two names might just be the foundation Texas needs to keep the offense rolling and make a serious push in their new SEC surroundings.
