Texas Freshman Jermaine Bishop Earns High Praise From Cowboys Legend Dez Bryant

Bryant believes Bishop will emerge as the Longhorns' top wide receiver over high-profile transfer Cam Coleman.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:10pm

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Former Dallas Cowboys star and three-time Pro Bowler Dez Bryant has singled out Texas freshman wide receiver Jermaine Bishop as the player to watch in the Longhorns' talented receiving corps. Bryant believes Bishop will beat out high-profile transfer Cam Coleman to become the team's top receiver, comparing Bishop's potential to that of former Miami and Ohio State standouts.

Why it matters

Texas is looking to strengthen its offense this season, and the battle for the top wide receiver spot will be a key storyline. Bryant's endorsement of Bishop over Coleman, a highly touted transfer, adds intrigue to the competition and suggests the freshman could make an immediate impact for the Longhorns.

The details

Bishop, who is wearing No. 4 this fall, joined the Longhorns during the first spring practice on Monday without a defined position. However, recent practice reps suggest the staff is leaning toward making him a full-time wide receiver. Bishop was electric in the passing game during his 2025 senior season at Willis High School, finishing with 120 catches for 1,940 yards and 20 touchdowns while also contributing 424 rushing yards on 45 carries.

  • Bishop joined the Longhorns during the first spring practice on Monday.
  • Bryant made his comments about Bishop on Wednesday.

The players

Jermaine Bishop

A true freshman wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns who impressed Dez Bryant with his potential to become the team's top receiver.

Cam Coleman

A high-profile transfer wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns who was expected to be a key part of the team's passing attack.

Dez Bryant

A former Dallas Cowboys star and three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who has high expectations for Jermaine Bishop.

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What they’re saying

“I want to go on record and say Jermaine Bishop will be Texas Longhorns #1 WR. The eye test doesn't lie. He's oozing with confidence..I can tell by the way he carries himself. He already runs routes like a pro. Legit playmaker.. I'm looking forward to watching him perform this year.”

— Dez Bryant, Former Dallas Cowboys Star (Twitter)

“I can see him being just as dominant as Malachi Toney! I can see Bishop line up in the wildcat! The backfield. I wouldn't be surprised if he played defense a bit… his type don't come around that often. Eye test don't lie!”

— Dez Bryant, Former Dallas Cowboys Star (Twitter)

“The Miami Hurricanes..Coach Cristobal got behind their young playmaker and found themselves in the National Championship game! Ohio State Coach Day got behind his young playmaker and won a national championship game..those coaches didn't turn a blind eye.. I'm sure Coach Sark is going to do the same if Bishop goes crazy. Those other guys are really really good. Bishop's a dawg!”

— Dez Bryant, Former Dallas Cowboys Star (Twitter)

What’s next

The Texas coaching staff will continue to evaluate the wide receiver competition during spring practices, with Jermaine Bishop looking to solidify his status as the Longhorns' top option.

The takeaway

Dez Bryant's strong endorsement of Jermaine Bishop suggests the Texas freshman could be poised for a breakout season and challenge the more experienced Cam Coleman for the top wide receiver spot. Bishop's versatility and playmaking ability have the potential to make him a key part of the Longhorns' offense in 2026.