To reward Arch Manning for taking pay cut, Texas should land WR Cam Coleman

Why Texas should pursue Cam Coleman

Manning has improved over the course of his first season as a full-time starter, but he and the Longhorns haven't lived up to preseason hype. Texas failed to make a third straight College Football Playoff appearance after being ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll.  

Ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines on New Year's Eve, Manning is 9-3 in 12 starts and has completed a below-average 61.4 percent of his passes for 2,942 yards. He has also tossed 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. 

Some of his problems are tied to Texas failing to find a replacement for WR Matthew Golden (now with the Green Bay Packers), who led the Longhorns in receiving yards (987 on 50 receptions) last season. 

WR Ryan Wingo leads the team in receiving yards this season, with 770 on 50 receptions. Despite some flashes, he has struggled with drops throughout the season. Pro Football Focus credits the sophomore WR with a career-high seven drops. 

WR DeAndre Moore Jr., Texas' No. 2 option in the passing attack, has confirmed he plans to enter the transfer portal. He had 38 receptions for 532 yards and four touchdown catches this season. 

Coleman, who could be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, is the star WR Manning clearly needs. He ranks 16th in the SEC in receiving yards (708) and is tied for 15th in touchdown catches (five). Note that he produced despite playing for one of the more dysfunctional programs in the conference.  

Auburn went 5-7 this season. The school fired HC Hugh Freeze on Nov. 2 and replaced him with Alex Golesh. The Tigers also rotated QBs Jackson Arnold, Ashton Daniels and Deuce Knight. 

Now envision what he could do under Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, an offensive maestro. More importantly, imagine what he could do with stability at the most important position. 

Manning will make less money in 2026 than he did in 2025. If it helps Texas land Coleman, that will make his financial sacrifice even more worthwhile.