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Isaiah Bond Primed to Breakout With Longhorns?

Originally posted on Texas Longhorns on SI
By Matt Galatzan | Last updated 2/14/24

The Texas Longhorns lost their top-four pass catchers to the NFL Draft this offseason, with Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington and Ja'Tavion Sanders all taking their talents to the next level.

Fortunately for the Longhorns, they were able to replenish those losses, adding Matthew Golden and Silas Bolden, as well as Alabama transfers Amari Niblack and Isaiah Bond through the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Not only that, but the Horns also had exciting talent still on campus with Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore, and Ryan Niblett, as well as a wealth of potential coming in the 2024 recruiting class, led by Ryan Wingo.

But according to Bleacher Report, it is Bond who is set to make the biggest impact.

"Texas lost three-time leading receiver Xavier Worthy to the NFL, along with Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. The team's top returning pass-catcher is running back CJ Baxter and his 156 yards," Bleacher Report wrote. "In short: This should be Bond's unit now."

"Given that he notched career-best totals of 48 receptions, 668 yards, and four touchdowns with Alabama in 2023, Bond is a prime breakout candidate on the national scene."

Last season, Bond not only had his best statistical season to date but was also far and away the No. 1 target in the offense for a College Football Playoff team - giving him a valuable edge heading into Austin.

That No. 1 status was never more evident than during the Tide's thrilling win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, in which Bond hauled in a game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe on 4th and goal from the 31-yard-line with just 32 seconds to go in the game.

That win not only sealed a berth in the SEC Championship game but kept the Tide's playoff hopes alive.

Bond would once again come up huge the very next week in Atlanta, catching five passes for 79 yards, and help send the Tide past the Bulldogs and into the CFP.

The Longhorns will hope Bond can channel that same mentality and clutch factor next season in Austin.

This article first appeared on Texas Longhorns on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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