Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman is expected to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, ending months of speculation surrounding the former five-star recruit’s future with the Tigers.
Coleman, a 6-foot-3 jump-ball specialist and highlight-reel catch machine, spent the last two seasons producing on an Auburn offense that often struggled to maximize his elite skill set. After a disappointing 2025 campaign in which PFSN graded Coleman at a 75.2 WR impact grade, the former blue-chip prospect is looking to re-enter the conversation. So, here are five programs that make the most sense as potential landing spots.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is one of the most logical destinations to monitor. Coleman was previously committed to the Aggies before flipping to Auburn, and the relationships remain strong.
A major factor is Holmon Wiggins, who recruited Coleman heavily while at Alabama and is now set to serve as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator in 2026. Familiarity matters in portal recruitment, especially for a player of Coleman’s caliber.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Texas A&M is an early program to watch once the portal opens. The Aggies can offer Coleman immediate WR1 opportunities, strong NIL backing, and a chance to be the focal point of a retooled passing attack with Marcel Reed in the SEC.
Alabama Crimson Tide
An in-state move to Alabama would make plenty of sense.
The Crimson Tide heavily recruited Coleman out of high school, and with Germie Bernard off to the NFL, there’s a clear opening opposite Ryan Williams on the outside.
If Alabama gets the 2024 versions of both players, Williams (865 yards, 8 TDs) and Coleman (598 yards, 8 TDs as a true freshman), opposing SEC defenses would be stretched to the breaking point.
That duo would instantly be in the conversation for best wide receiver tandem in college football, and Alabama’s pass-heavy offensive system would allow Coleman to thrive without needing to carry the entire offense himself.
Texas Longhorns
Pairing Cam Coleman with Arch Manning would instantly become one of the most intriguing quarterback–receiver duos in college football and one that NFL scouts would circle immediately.
Texas is expected to return Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V, and Parker Livingstone, all of whom graded 76+ in PFSN impact grades. However, none eclipsed the 80 mark, highlighting the absence of a true alpha receiver.
Steve Sarkisian’s offense thrives with an elite X receiver, and Coleman fits that mold perfectly. While depth could be a concern, elite talents like Coleman don’t often stay available long, and programs like Texas rarely pass when a potential WR1 hits the portal.
MORE: 5 Transfer Portal Landing Spots for James Madison WR Landon Ellis
If the Longhorns land Coleman, they’d immediately be in discussion to re-enter the preseason Top 5 conversation heading into 2026, with an offense built to showcase his skill set at the highest level.
USC Trojans
Few programs offer a clearer opportunity for immediate production than USC.
The Trojans are losing their top two receivers from 2025, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, both of whom declared for the NFL Draft. Lemon posted an 85.1 PFSN grade and is viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Lane finished at 78.9.
That’s a massive amount of production to replace, and an enormous opportunity for Coleman.
Under Lincoln Riley, USC’s offense is built to maximize receiver value, spacing, and explosive plays. Coleman could step in as the featured target from Day 1, giving him the volume and efficiency he lacked at Auburn. Few coaches are better equipped to help a receiver rebuild draft momentum than Riley.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech may be the dark horse, but don’t overlook the Red Raiders.
Tech has shown a willingness to open the checkbook in the NIL era, and last season, they revamped their defense into one of the nation’s best. According to PFSN, the Red Raiders posted a 95.6 defensive impact grade, ranking fourth nationally.
The offense, however, lagged behind with an 82.2 grade in 2025. Adding a talent like Coleman could significantly close that gap.
Whether it’s elevating the current quarterback or helping define the identity of the offense, Coleman would instantly become the centerpiece of Texas Tech’s passing game. He could help push the program from a strong Big 12 contender to something even more dangerous in 2026.
