The Texas Longhorns might not have the services of one of their top wide receivers on Saturday when they host Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff. It is being widely reported (including by Pete Thamel of ESPN) that Isaiah Bond is unlikely to play due to a high ankle sprain he sustained in the SEC Championship game against Georgia on December 7th.
This could be a significant blow to the Longhorn passing game. That's because Bond is one of Texas' top receiving targets.
This year, he has caught 33 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns. His average of 16.1 yards per catch is second on the team for players with more than 10 receptions and he is tied for third on the team in receiving touchdowns.
Bond is arguably Texas' second-best wide receiver behind Matthew Golden who has 47 catches for 738 yards and eight TDs. Tight end Gunnar Helm is actually second on the team in receiving yards with 611 and he leads the team with 49 catches. Additionally, Helm also have five TD catches this year.
Sources: Texas WR Isaiah Bond faces long odds to play against Clemson this weekend, as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. He may end up a game-time decision on Saturday, but has done limited football activity this week and has been focused on rehab work. pic.twitter.com/dr5fSaoZRg
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2024
This year was Bond's first with the Horns. Previously, he spent two seasons with Alabama where he hauled in 65 passes for 888 yards and five TDs combined.
Bond has been one of the highest-profile receivers in the country since his high school days. As a recruit, he was a 4-star prospect and the No. 52 overall player in the class of 2022 according to 247Sports.com.
Then, last offseason, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder was the top transfer wide receiver in the portal. Thus, his signing with Texas made huge news a year ago and this fall, he's been an important part of the Texas passing attack.
So far, the Longhorns are averaging 280.9 yards per game through the air. That's good for 12th nationally.
Therefore, the Clemson defense will be challenged when Texas decides to throw the ball. However, if Bond is unable to give it a go on Saturday, that will take one important weapon off of the field for the home team.