The Texas Longhorns have arrived in Atlanta for their Peach Bowl clash against Arizona State, and one of their key players is set to return for the game on New Year’s Day. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Sunday that wide receiver Isaiah Bond will be available for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Bond had been sidelined due to an ankle injury and missed Texas’ 38-24 win over Clemson on December 21. However, after practicing with the team in Austin this past week, he’s been cleared to play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This is a significant boost for Texas as it adds one of their most reliable pass-catchers back into the mix. Bond, a former Alabama transfer, made an immediate impact for the Longhorns in 2024, notably posting five receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant win over UTSA on September 14. However, an ankle injury sustained during the Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma in October limited his production for much of the season.
Bond re-injured the ankle in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, leaving the stadium in a walking boot. While receivers Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm stepped up in his absence, it was the strong running duo of Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner who led the team in the win over Clemson. Even if Bond isn’t fully recovered, his return adds another threat to the Texas offense, putting additional pressure on Arizona State heading into the quarterfinal.
