Syracuse wide receiver Johntay Cook plans to enter the transfer portal, according to an ON3 report Thursday. Cook becomes the most notable Orange player to depart this offseason, joining starting running back Yasin Willis and wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. In his lone season at SU, Cook finished with 45 receptions for 549 yards and two touchdowns.
Cook’s status had been uncertain since the end of the season, as he never publicly confirmed whether he would remain with the program. Had he returned, he likely would have played a major role in Syracuse’s offense, particularly with quarterback Steve Angeli expected back after suffering a torn Achilles.
Syracuse landed Cook in May as a high-profile transfer. The former four-star recruit from DeSoto, Texas, began his career at Texas before transferring to Washington, where off-field issues kept him from appearing in a game. He arrived at Syracuse looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to develop into an NFL prospect.
Early in the season, Cook showed flashes of that potential. He built strong chemistry with Angeli, totaling 18 catches for 234 yards over the first four games. After Angeli’s injury, Cook’s production dipped along with the rest of the offense.
Cook is expected to draw significant interest in the portal. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s receiver depth is thin. Brown will likely turn to the portal while also leaning on young talent, including five-star freshman Calvin Russell and four-star Amare Gough, as he looks to surround Angeli with more weapons heading into 2026.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].