Isaiah Bond’s transfer from Alabama to Texas ahead of the 2024 college football season was a high-profile move. Bond, a talented wide receiver, had shown promise during his time with the Crimson Tide, but he sought a fresh start with the Longhorns, citing the potential to boost his draft stock as a primary motivator. In an interview with ESPN around this time last year, Bond expressed confidence that the move to Texas, a program with a strong offensive reputation under head coach Steve Sarkisian, would elevate his game and make him a more attractive prospect for the NFL.
Fast forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, and the outcome was not what Bond—or many analysts—had anticipated. Despite a solid season with Texas, where he showcased his speed and playmaking ability, Bond went undrafted. The tweet captures the irony of Bond’s situation: a decision made with the explicit goal of improving his draft prospects did not yield the desired result. The facepalm and crying emojis in the tweet underscore the disappointment and surprise felt by some fans.
Bond’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of college football transfers and the NFL Draft. While transfers can sometimes lead to breakout seasons and higher draft selections—think of quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, who transferred from Ohio State to LSU and became the No. 1 overall pick—Bond’s case serves as a reminder that such moves don’t always guarantee success. Factors like team fit, individual performance, and the depth of a draft class can all influence a player’s draft stock in ways that are hard to predict.
During his time at Texas, Bond recorded respectable stats, though he didn’t emerge as the standout star some had hoped. The 2025 NFL Draft was notably deep at the wide receiver position, with several underclassmen and breakout seniors catching the attention of scouts. This likely contributed to Bond slipping through the cracks, despite his athleticism and potential.
For Bond, going undrafted doesn’t mark the end of his NFL aspirations. Many undrafted free agents go on to have successful careers, signing with teams as free agents and earning roster spots through strong performances in training camps. Players like Wes Welker and Tony Romo, both undrafted, became NFL stars, proving that the draft is only one part of the journey.
The tweet from @MokuBoi99 encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions in college football and the NFL Draft process. A year ago, Bond’s transfer to Texas seemed like a strategic move to secure a brighter future. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s a decision that has left some fans shaking their heads. As the tweet poignantly notes, “What a difference a year makes.” For Isaiah Bond, the next chapter will be about proving that his NFL dreams are still within reach, draft or no draft.
