Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Dealt Bad News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 2:35 PM ET

One of the top players in the transfer portal has committed to a big-time SEC school.

Wide receiver Cam Coleman, who spent the last two seasons with Auburn, committed to Texas on Sunday. It came after he took a visit to Alabama on Friday, Auburn's biggest rival.

Alabama was hoping to add him to the fold for the 2026 season, but came up just short.

Coleman finished the 2025 season with 56 receptions for 708 yards and five touchdowns. He finished the 2024 season with 37 receptions for 598 yards and eight touchdowns.

This will be a top weapon for Texas quarterback Arch Manning to throw to as the program tries to return to the College Football Playoff next year.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coleman was one of the top recruits in the 2024 recruiting class. He was a five-star recruit and the top player in Alabama, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He was also the second-best wide receiver recruit in the nation and the third-best overall recruit.

Alabama will have to look elsewhere for roster upgrades in 2026. The program made the College Football Playoff this season, beating Oklahoma in the first round before getting blown out by Indiana in the quarterfinals.

This was Kalen DeBoer's second season as head coach after coming over from Washington following the end of the 2023 season. DeBoer is 20-8 overall at Alabama.

Steve Sarkisian just wrapped up his fifth season as the head coach at Texas. He has a 48-20 record.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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