After Alex Golesh left South Florida to become the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, there was optimism that he might help the storied program return to power in the SEC.
A few weeks later, that optimism turned to pessimism, as a majority of the team’s defense jumped ship to enter the transfer portal. The Tigers began shedding depth that they desperately couldn’t lose following a disappointing 5-7 season.
Following a mediocre recruitment period in which they fell below the likes of Minnesota and Mississippi State, there was more cause for concern about what Auburn’s future would look like.
And on Monday, Golesh was hit with his worst bit of news since taking over the team, as the Tigers’ top offensive weapon decided to forgo playing with Auburn for the 2026 season and to enter the transfer portal.
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Cam Coleman, a five-star recruit out of Alabama, was the crown jewel of what the Tigers were trying to build. He was the fifth-ranked overall prospect in the nation when he signed with Auburn, and he’s only gone up in value following his first two years with the team.
As a true freshman, Coleman caught 37 receptions for 598 yards and proved he was indeed worth the hype. This year, he continued his ascent on a middling Auburn offense, going for 708 yards on 56 catches.
Coleman immediately became the No. 1-ranked player in the transfer portal by On3 with his transfer notice, with programs already lining up millions to possibly secure the prodigal wide receiver.
Teams such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, USC Trojans, and Alabama Crimson Tide are already being linked to Coleman.
The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
