The NCAA transfer portal just opened, and all eyes are on former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman. With two seasons left, he’s already getting serious attention from some of the biggest names in college football.
Let’s dig into Coleman’s path, his time at Auburn, and the four major programs chasing after him: Alabama, Texas A&M, USC, and Texas.
Cam Coleman’s Journey and Performance at Auburn
Cam Coleman stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 201 pounds. As a freshman in 2024, he made quite the entrance at Auburn.
He played in 10 out of 12 games, snagging 37 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. That effort got him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
In 2025, Coleman kept up the momentum. He led Auburn’s receivers with 56 catches for 708 yards and five touchdowns.
Challenges and Changes at Auburn
Even with Coleman putting up numbers, Auburn hit some rough patches. Head coach Hugh Freeze was let go after a loss to Kentucky.
That shake-up played a part in Coleman’s decision to hit the transfer portal on December 29, 2025. Now, as the top-ranked player in the portal, he’s got options.
USC: A Prime Destination for Wide Receivers
USC is right in the mix for Coleman. With quarterback Jayden Maiava coming back, Coleman would finally get some steady quarterback play—something he didn’t always have at Auburn.
Plus, with Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane both heading to the NFL, there’s a wide-open spot for Coleman to make an impact at USC.
USC’s Track Record with Wide Receivers
Lincoln Riley has a knack for turning receivers into NFL talent—think CeeDee Lamb, Hollywood Brown, and Jordan Addison. That kind of history has to be tempting for Coleman as he weighs his next move.
Texas A&M: A Familiar Connection
Texas A&M is getting a visit from Coleman soon. He was actually committed to the Aggies before flipping to Auburn on Early Signing Day, so there’s already a bit of history there.
Starting quarterback Marcel Reed will be back, and he’s got experience working with transfer receivers. That could make for a smoother transition if Coleman chooses College Station.
Quarterback Stability at Texas A&M
With Reed returning, Coleman would have a steady hand throwing to him. Reed has already worked with guys like KC Concepcion and Mario Craver.
Now that Concepcion’s heading to the 2026 NFL draft, Coleman could step right into a leading role for the Aggies.
Texas: The Appeal of Steve Sarkisian’s Offense
Steve Sarkisian has built a reputation for developing star receivers. He’s coached first-rounders like DeVonta Smith, Xavier Worthy, and Matthew Golden.
Getting to play in Sarkisian’s offense is a real selling point for Coleman.
Quarterback Play at Texas
Arch Manning is improving and coming back, which only adds to Texas’s appeal. Ryan Wingo is sticking around for 2026, so Coleman would join a pretty loaded receiver group.
But with DeAndre Moore Jr. and Parker Livingstone leaving via the portal, there’s definitely room for Coleman to step in and matter right away.
Alabama: The Home State Advantage
If staying close to home is on Coleman’s mind, Alabama makes a lot of sense. He’d be near family and friends while playing for a powerhouse.
The Crimson Tide just lost lead receiver Germie Bernard, and the quarterback situation with Ty Simpson is a bit up in the air. That uncertainty could make things interesting for Coleman’s decision.
The 2026 Iron Bowl
If Coleman transfers to Alabama, the 2026 Iron Bowl would get even spicier. Imagine him lining up against his old team—it’s the kind of drama college football fans live for.
The Race for Cam Coleman
Cam Coleman sits at the top of the transfer portal rankings, and honestly, it seems like every big program wants him. Four schools are in the mix: USC, Texas A&M, Texas, and Alabama.
Each team brings something different to the table. USC and Texas A&M have that quarterback stability everyone talks about, while Texas has Steve Sarkisian’s offensive mind running the show.
Then there’s Alabama—hard to ignore the home state pull, right? Coleman’s decision feels like it could shake up college football for the 2026 season, maybe even longer.
If you want to dig deeper, check out the full article on Cam Coleman linked to four major college football programs.
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