Syracuse football predicted to replace $2 million receiver with former 5-star talent

The transfer portal in college sports seems never-ending, and it's clear that while it desperately needs reform, those changes aren't likely to happen anytime soon. For athletes who use the portal the right way, it can be an incredible tool. However, lately, very few seem to be using it for its intended purpose.

Thousands of athletes enter the portal every year—whether in football, basketball, baseball, or other sports. Although the portal has official open and close windows, a player can remain in it as long as their paperwork is submitted before the deadline.

Just over a week ago, Syracuse’s Trebor Pena entered the transfer portal—not to find a better fit, but simply to chase the highest bidder. This led to a hilarious response from head coach Fran Brown.

“You gonna make $2 million at wide receiver? That’s the homie at Ohio State (Jeremiah Smith). Ain’t nobody else making that money. I’m not giving no wide receiver $2 million in college. That ain’t me,” Brown said. “I ain’t doing that unless they tell me we have a chance to have Travis Hunter come back to college. He can come here and play for us, then he gonna get some of my check.”

Fortunately for the Orange, they may be close to landing his replacement. Former five-star recruit Johntay Cook, who spent last season at Texas, is a strong possibility. In each season so far, he’s caught eight passes.

Cook initially transferred to Washington during the winter portal window, but re-entered the portal this spring. He visited Arkansas over the weekend, but Syracuse is currently the favorite to land him.

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While Cook hasn't yet proven himself at the college level, he’s certainly going to cost less than the $2 million Pena was reportedly seeking. His addition would be a major win for Coach Brown.