Top 5 transfer portal landing spots for Auburn WR Cam Coleman

The top-ranked transfer receiver departs Auburn and could consider these five major programs for the 2026 season.

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) announced his intention to enter the college football transfer portal on Monday and here are five programs where he could end up. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Auburn Tigers are losing a pivotal piece of their offensive future as sophomore wide receiver Cam Coleman prepares to explore his options in the NCAA Transfer Portal. On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported the move, noting that the Phenix City, Alabama, native will officially enter the database on January 2.

This decision comes despite efforts from the new coaching staff under Alex Golesh to retain the talented playmaker. Coleman departs The Plains after two seasons where he served as a rare bright spot in a struggling passing attack under former head coach Hugh Freeze.

Coleman exits Auburn with a massive reputation and the production to back it up. He recorded 84 receptions for 1,215 yards and 12 touchdowns during his two-year stint. His departure signals a major shift in the market, as On3 ranks him as the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 1 overall player available in their 2026 transfer portal rankings.

With a name, image and likeness valuation sitting at $1.8 million, Coleman instantly becomes one of the most coveted free agents in college football.

The race to secure his commitment will likely involve the sport's heavyweights. Programs will be drawn not just to his production, but to his pedigree as a former five-star recruit who was ranked as the nation's No. 4 overall prospect in the 2024 class.

While his time at Auburn was marked by offensive inconsistency, his next destination will likely be chosen based on stability, quarterback play and the ability to maximize his draft stock. Several elite programs have prior relationships with the talented receiver, which could prove vital in this high-stakes recruitment.

Texas A&M Aggies offer a familiar landing spot

The most logical connection often ties back to previous relationships in the recruiting world. Coleman has a significant history with the Texas A&M Aggies. He was committed to the program for nearly five months during the 2024 recruiting cycle.

While that initial pledge occurred under former head coach Jimbo Fisher and wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig, the institutional familiarity remains. The Aggies have stabilized under head coach Mike Elko and remain one of the few programs capable of comfortably matching a $1.8 million NIL valuation.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko got big-time production out of wide receivers Mario Craver (59/917/4) and KC Concepcion (61/919/9) this season. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas A&M was on the verge of signing Coleman before a late flip in December 2023. With the chaos of that coaching transition now in the rearview mirror, perhaps College Station could represent a second chance for both parties.

The Aggies are consistently in the market for elite perimeter talent to elevate their offense. Bringing in a player who was once the crown jewel of their recruiting class would be a massive statement for Elko and his staff as they look to solidify their roster for the 2026 season.

Alabama Crimson Tide provide a home state solution

Few programs carry the weight and allure of the Alabama Crimson Tide, especially for a native of Phenix City. Alabama was a major finalist during Coleman's high school recruitment, and the battle for his signature came down to the wire.

Flipping a star player from an in-state rival is a celebrated tradition in the Iron Bowl rivalry, and Coleman fits the exact physical profile the Crimson Tide covets on the perimeter. His 6-foot-3 frame and ability to win contested catches align perfectly with the standard set by previous WR1s in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer had four productive receivers this season, including Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, Isaiah Horton and Lotzeir Brooks. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The proximity factor cannot be ignored. Phenix City is roughly two and a half hours from Tuscaloosa, offering a comfortable distance for his family. While he initially chose the Tigers, the opportunity to return to his home state and play for a perennial championship contender is a powerful draw.

Alabama consistently aggressively targets experienced, alpha receivers in the portal to balance their younger talent. Coleman would immediately step into a featured role, and the chance to correct his initial decision by joining the program he once spurned creates a compelling narrative for his final collegiate chapters.

Colorado Buffaloes bring star power and heavy exposure

If the priority is maximizing brand value and becoming the face of an offense, the Colorado Buffaloes present a unique opportunity. Head coach Deion Sanders has built his program around the transfer portal, aggressively targeting high-profile players who can contribute immediately.

Coleman’s $1.8 million valuation and status as the No. 1 player in the portal make him a perfect match for the "Prime" effect. Boulder has become a hub for stars who want to elevate their profile, and Coleman would unquestionably be the focal point of their passing attack.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are in serious need of a difference-maker on offense after a frustrating 3-9 season. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The Buffaloes have shown a willingness to rely heavily on the transfer market to fill skill position needs. For a receiver of Coleman's caliber, the appeal lies in the volume of targets and the media spotlight that accompanies the program. Sanders and his staff prioritize playmakers who can win one-on-one matchups, and they are not afraid to leverage NIL opportunities to secure top-tier talent.

Some players want the spotlight and there would be little competition for targets in Boulder. While the geography differs from that of his other potential suitors, the business decision to join Colorado could offer the highest immediate return on investment for his personal brand.

LSU Tigers fit the profile for elite receiver development

The LSU Tigers have earned the moniker "WR U" for a reason. Their track record of developing wide receivers into first-round NFL Draft picks is nearly unmatched in modern college football. Coleman held an offer from the Tigers out of high school, and the program was listed among the schools he seriously considered before signing with Auburn.

For a player who experienced passing game struggles at his previous stop, the allure of LSU’s consistently explosive offense and quarterback development is difficult to overlook.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and the Tigers need a clear-cut No. 1 WR like Cam Coleman. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton, who was involved in his recruitment, understands what Coleman brings to the table. Head coach Lane Kiffin would certainly love to earn a splash commitment via the portal. The system in Baton Rouge thrives on vertical threats who can dominate physically, which plays directly to Coleman's strengths.

In a free agency market defined by fit, a move to LSU represents a football-first decision. It places him in an environment proven to translate raw talent into professional success, surrounded by a roster that consistently pushes for playoff contention.

Georgia Bulldogs offer winning culture and proximity

The Georgia Bulldogs remain a terrifying presence on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. Located just across the border from Coleman's hometown of Phenix City, Athens is geographically convenient and offers the highest level of competitive stability.

Head coach Kirby Smart has built a machine that consistently competes for national titles, and the Bulldogs often look to add one elite perimeter weapon via the portal to round out their offense. They were heavily involved in Coleman's high school recruitment and understand his skillset intimately. The Dawgs aren't too far removed from placing big-time pass-catching talent like wide receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Brock Bowers into the NFL.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs delivered a big year from another portal player this season as former USC receiver Zachariah Branch caught 73 passes for 744 yards and five scores. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia offers a distinct contrast to the instability Coleman experienced during his first two collegiate seasons. The expectation in Athens is championship or bust. For a player looking to showcase his talents on the biggest stage while playing meaningful games in January, the Bulldogs are the safest bet.

The program has a history of integrating transfer receivers seamlessly into its offense. Joining Georgia would allow Coleman to play closer to home than at many other SEC programs, while ensuring he is part of a roster capable of winning it all in 2026.