EUGENE - The Oregon Ducks and coach Dan Lanning are known for their aggressive yet effective approach to landing some of the nation's best players from the transfer portal. Last year, the Ducks secured the No. 3 overall transfer class and the top transfer class in the Big Ten conference. This season, the Ducks are on track to acquire yet another top transfer class.
The Ducks currently rank No. 10 in the nation according to 247Sports' 2025 transfer football team rankings. Oregon has secured commitments from the No. 1 running back in the portal, Makhi Hughes, former USC defensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, and seven other highly touted transfers.
The Ducks could look to add another big-time transfer to their future roster: class of 2023 five-star wide receiver Johntay Cook II.
After two seasons at Texas, Cook and Texas' coaching staff made the "mutual" decision for Cook to exit the program.
On December 28th, Cook decided to take his talents to Seattle to play under head coach and receivers coach Jedd Fisch as a Washington Husky. However, according to a recent report from On3, just weeks after joining the program and days after arriving on campus, Cook is no longer with the Huskies. The news comes after Fisch made the decision to part ways in a meeting Tuesday afternoon.
On the year, Cook had eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
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Cook was anticipated to provide a massive boost to Washington's roster in the coming season. He was expected to come in and contend for a starting role right away as multiple receivers in Washington's program entered the portal or the NFL Draft. Cook was the only wideout from the portal that Washington signed.
If the reports are true, Cook could emerge as a massive prospect in the transfer portal. Players with Cook's talent and remaining eligibility are typically valuable in the portal. Cook, who stands at six feet tall and weighs 185 pounds, was the No. 29 player overall and the No. 3 wide receiver in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. However, despite his undeniable potential, outspoken and toxic behavior on social media has impacted Cook's available options.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has stated multiple times that a player's character is something the coaching staff looks into during the recruiting process. Cook reportedly being dismissed from two different programs in a matter of months could raise red flags for Oregon's coaching staff. However, it is difficult to look past a player of Cook's potential and athletic abilities.
Oregon is also not desperate for receivers. The Ducks have already landed former Florida State receiver Malik Benson out of the portal, as well as a returning group of talented receivers who are prepared to take on an increased role following the departure of Traeshon Holden and Tez Johnson.
Senior receiver Evan Stewart will be returning for another season with the Ducks. Jurrion Dickey, Justius Lowe, and Jeremiah McClellan will also likely be in the mix for a starting spot.
With Oregon's impressive depth in the receiving room, it remains uncertain whether Lanning and his staff will choose to pursue Cook. The Ducks already boast a strong roster of talented wideouts, including experienced returners and promising newcomers, which positions them well for the upcoming season. While Cook's exceptional athleticism and potential could undoubtedly elevate any receiving room, his reported issues off the field may give the coaching staff pause when considering the culture they've built in Eugene.
Oregon has consistently prioritized players who align with the program's values and Cook's history of exits from multiple programs might raise concerns about his fit within that framework. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on whether the coaching staff believes they can provide the structure and support Cook needs to thrive both on and off the field.
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