The No. 13 Texas Longhorns have their sights set on beating Michigan in Wednesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, but the coaching staff might already be looking ahead to 2026. A key playmaker from the SEC just hit the transfer portal, and he could be the perfect target for head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Could Cam Coleman Join Arch Manning at Texas?
Former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman officially announced his plans to enter the transfer portal, sparking immediate speculation about his next destination. For a 9-3 Texas team preparing to face the No. 18 Wolverines in Orlando, Fla., adding a downfield threat like Coleman could be the missing piece for quarterback Arch Manning next season.
Why does Austin make so much sense for the departing Tiger? PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie spells out some reasons why this specific pairing could work. “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,” Guthrie wrote.
While the Longhorns have talent returning, Guthrie noted that they might lack a specific type of outside weapon. “Texas is expected to return Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V, and Parker Livingstone, all of whom graded 76+ in PFSN impact grades,” Guthrie continued. “However, none eclipsed the 80 mark, highlighting the absence of a true alpha receiver.”
The fit appears seamless for Sarkisian’s aggressive passing attack. “Steve Sarkisian’s offense thrives with an elite X receiver, and Coleman fits that mold perfectly,” according to Guthrie. “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.”
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“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,” Guthrie wrote.
Coleman finished the 2025 campaign with a 75.2 PFSN CFB WR Impact score and a C grade. He tallied 56 catches for 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Tigers. Over two seasons, he totaled 1,306 receiving yards and 13 scores.
Those numbers might not look overwhelming at first glance, but Coleman’s talent ceiling remains undeniable. As Guthrie pointed out, putting a receiver with his skill set on the Forty Acres next to Manning could be the difference-making move Sarkisian needs in the transfer portal.
