On Jan. 2, soon-to-be former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman will be the top-ranked player in the Transfer Portal. Alabama Crimson Tide fans would love to see the former 5-Star in Crimson next season. Andrew Hughes aptly described what will be hot competition for Coleman, "Coleman is the best free agent in the sport right now, until further notice. He's about to have the red carpet rolled out for him by any and everyone with a need at receiver and a dream."
For 2026, Alabama must replace Germie Bernard and possibly Isaiah Horton if he opts for NFL early entry. If there are other wide receiver exits, Alabama would still be in good shape at wide receiver. Possibly in contention for starting roles are Ryan Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, Rico Scott, Cole Adams, Jalen Hale, Jaylen Mbakwe, Derek Meadows, and freshman Cedarian Morgan. Alabama might lose a couple of them to the Portal, and even more if a high-profile transfer like Cam Coleman is added.
Coleman's projected NIL value is $1.8M. Auburn insiders claim he turned down the Tigers with an offer in excess of $2M. Auburn rumors include a claim that the Tigers were willing to go even higher, with one rumor that the Tigers were willing to pay Coleman $3M-plus.
There is a buzz that Coleman will not make a choice solely based on compensation. He apparently wants an offense that can showcase his talents to NFL teams, and one with a track record for putting players in the NFL. Alabama can certainly sell both with Kalen DeBoer's offense and the Alabama to NFL pipeline.
No bidding war for the Alabama Crimson Tide
The problem for the Alabama Crimson Tide is the likelihood of multiple teams being willing to spend too much for Coleman. The Crimson Tide has consistently walked away from bidding wars when the numbers inflated. Even if Alabama was willing to spend $2M on a wide receiver, there would be a risk of it being disruptive to current players on the roster that Alabama wants to return next season.
Cam Coleman is a top wide receiver with an NFL first-round kind of ceiling. Alabama may want to add him, but the Crimson Tide does not need him. Not if the price becomes crazy, like a school in dire need of wideouts. LSU is in that situation, and reportedly, Lane Kiffin is prepared to spend $3M to land Coleman. In that scenario, Alabama should pass.
There is another possibilty that would make sense for the Crimson Tide. Coleman might be so sold on Kalen DeBoer's passing offense that he wants to follow former Auburn assistant Derrick Nix to Tuscaloosa. Nix recruited and coached Coleman at Auburn, and maybe Coleman is willing to pass on the most money now for what could be more NFL money later. If he is, he truly would look great in Crimson.