Pete Thamel, ESPN January 14, 2024, 12:03 p.m. ET
Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Bond has committed to Texas in what he called a “business decision” following the resignation of coach Nick Saban.
“Just like in the business world, you make the best decision for your company,” Bond said in a telephone interview with ESPN on Sunday. “My business is currently my stockpile. I feel like I’m putting myself in a position to increase that and have a better inventory.”
Bond, who just completed his second year, visited Texas this weekend and engaged with the staff during the visit.
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Bond was the first Alabama player to enter the NCAA transfer portal following Saban's retirement. He will end up playing for Steve Sarkisian, a former Alabama offensive coordinator who led Texas to the College Football Playoff in his third season in Austin.
Bond said his reason for leaving Alabama was directly related to Saban's retirement. He had committed to staying another year and then reversed course after sudden retirement.
“One hundred percent,” he said. “That was the decision why I left.”
Bond said new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer reached out and he hasn't gotten back to him. Bond said Sarkisian recruited him hard for Texas out of high school and they quickly rediscovered that connection this weekend. He said Sarkisian, Texas' offensive playcaller, is one of the best offensive minds in college football.
“I like the whole package that comes with it,” Bond said of Texas. “Great quarterback, they have a great offensive line. I felt like this was a great place for me.”
Bond led Alabama in catches this season and will be one of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers' top targets in 2024. Bond was an ESPN Top 100 recruit who finished this season with 48 catches, 668 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
He is a 5-foot-11, 182-pound receiver who will enter the 2024 season as a true junior and is in the top group of wide receivers for the 2025 NFL Draft. Bond was the recipient of one of the most famous plays of the 2023 season, catching the fourth-and-31 touchdown pass on the play known as the “Gravedigger” to beat Auburn.
Bond should be in a better position to catch more passes in 2024. In one less game, Ewers threw the ball 110 times more than Jalen Milroe.
Asked if catching balls from Ewers was an attraction, Bond said: “One hundred percent. He's a great pocket passer quarterback with big stakes. He's a top pick in next year's draft. I will also be a top pick. That’s him.” will be a good duo.
Joining Texas should give Bond a chance to showcase his skills in an open offense that will rely heavily on the pass.
Ewers announced this week that he is returning for his senior season, a move that will put him at the top of the 2025 draft class. Texas also returns an experienced offensive line led by left tackle Kelvin Banks, a rising junior who projects to be the top tackle in 2024.
Texas loses its top three wide receivers and top five pass catchers from this season's team to the NFL: Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and tailback Jonathon Brooks.
Texas also added former Houston wide receiver Matthew Golden in this transfer class. He had 13 touchdown catches in two seasons for the Cougars. Texas has also expressed interest in transferring Silas Bolden to Oregon State.
Bond said he was looking forward to working with wide receivers coach Chris Jackson, who has five years of experience coaching NFL receivers, in addition to saying he could work with Sarkisian.
“It was really a business decision,” Bond said. “I will not tolerate hate in my heart. Nothing personal. I will do the best for myself and my family.”