Isaiah Bond’s transfer to Texas from Alabama, explained

On January 15, 2025By Littum

Isaiah Bond’s most prominent moment in Alabama football was his fourth-and-31 touchdown catch from Jalen Milroe against Auburn in the 2023 Iron Bowl.

As it turned out, it was the penultimate fight of his career with Crimson Tide. Potentially up against former Alabama teammate safety Caleb Downs, Bond will have a chance to create more moments for the No. 5 in Texas when it meets No. 8 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal on Friday.

Bond has 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns this season for Longhornadding four rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Despite missing time with injuries, Bond is third in receptions and yards for a potent Texas passing attack led by quarterback Quinn Ewers.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver had just one reception for 22 yards in the Longhorns’ SEC championship game loss to Georgia, where he suffered an ankle injury. Bond played 22 snaps against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day, but should have a more prominent role against Buckeyes.

Here’s a look at why Bond chose to take his talents to Austin:

Why did Isaiah Bond move from Alabama to Texas?

Bond said he made a “business decision” to transfer to Texas from Alabama after legendary coach Nick Saban retired. Bond was the first player to enter the portal following Saban’s retirement on January 10, 2024. He entered the portal on January 12, 2024 and committed to the Longhorns on January 14.

“One hundred percent,” Bond told ESPN after his engagement. “That was the decision why I left.”

While DeBoer was named Saban’s replacement as coach on January 12, 2024, Bond still chose to transfer to the Longhorns, despite DeBoer reaching out to Bond—however, a former connection with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian ultimately won out.

With the return of quarterback Ewers and the Longhorns losing their top five receivers in 2023 ― Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and running back Jonathon Brooks ― to NFL Draft receivers, targets were open for Bond to help build up his timber stockpile.

“Just like the business world, you make the best decision for your business,” Bond told ESPN. “My business right now is my draft stock. I feel like I’m putting myself in a position to increase that and get better draft stock.”

Isaiah Bond 247 rating

As a high school recruit

Star rating: Four stars
National ranking: no. 52 in total
Position Location: Athlete no. 2
State Ranking: No. 6 player from Georgia

As a transfer

Star rating: Four stars
Overall ranking: no. 44 in total
Position Location: no. 8 QB

According to 247Sports Composite RankingsBond was a four-star and no. 52 overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class. The recipient from Buford High School (Buford, Georgia) was also the No. 2 athlete in the class and the sixth best player in Georgia.

Bond had originally committed to Florida on May 9, 2021. However, he opened his commitment on November 22, 2021, one day after the Gators fired Dan Mullen. On December 7, 2021, Bond announced his commitment to Alabama over offers from Texas, Auburn, and Oregon, among others.

As a transfer, Bond was the fourth-ranked player in the transfer class and the top receiver. Fellow Alabama transfer Caleb Downs was the top-ranked player in the transfer class. He and Bond will likely match up in the Cotton Bowl.

Isaiah Bond statistics

Here’s a look at Bond’s stats at Alabama and Texas:

2022 (Alabama): 17 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown
2023 (Alabama): 48 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns; A rush for three yards
2024 (Texas): 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns; Four rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown
Career: 98 receptions for 1,420 yards and 10 touchdowns; Five rushes for 101 yards and a touchdown