Texas football enters the 2026 season as one of the most highly regarded programs in the nation. Although the Longhorns fell short of expectations in 2025 during Arch Manning’s first year as the starting quarterback, both he and the offense showed steady improvement as the season progressed.
To support Manning’s continued development, Steve Sarkisian and his staff made it a priority this offseason to find him a true No. 1 wide receiver. They succeeded by landing one of the top players in the transfer portal: former Auburn wideout Cam Coleman. Despite his impressive talent, Coleman never fully broke out during his two seasons with the Tigers.
On Wednesday, he hinted at why. When asked how his role at Texas compares to his time at Auburn, Coleman offered a straightforward response, via CJ Vogel of On Texas Football:
“Running more routes, for sure.”
While some may view this as a subtle criticism of Auburn and former head coach Hugh Freeze, the numbers support Coleman’s point. Even as one of the nation’s most gifted receivers, he totaled just 96 receptions across two years, producing 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in an Auburn offense that often faltered when he wasn’t heavily involved.
Texas will also return Ryan Wingo, one of the fastest receivers in college football. Coleman’s skill set pairs perfectly with Wingo’s; at 6-foot-3, the former five-star recruit is long, explosive, and possesses an elite catch radius. His prowess in contested situations should significantly ease Manning’s job.
The Longhorns are expected to open the season inside the top five, and Coleman’s arrival is a major reason why. If Texas can maximize his potential, this offense could be incredibly tough to slow down in 2026.
