Is top star about to hit the transfer portal this offseason?
If he does, the Auburn wide receiver would instantly become one of the most coveted offensive weapons available. The sophomore has displayed elite size, dependable hands, and explosive playmaking ability — all while dealing with less-than-ideal quarterback play. Whoever takes over as Auburn’s next head coach will make retaining top star a top priority, but the talented wideout may decide his future lies elsewhere.
Payton Thorne wasn’t bad for Auburn in 2024. He and Coleman built a solid connection, and had Thorne returned for another season, Coleman likely would’ve posted numbers on par with Penn State’s KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
But with Thorne out of eligibility, Hugh Freeze turned to Jackson Arnold — a move that backfired and ultimately contributed to Freeze’s firing. While Coleman continues to get plenty of targets, the offense hasn’t given him the same opportunities to stretch the field and make highlight plays the way he did last year.
CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer believes Coleman’s draft stock could skyrocket with the right quarterback.
“Coleman is entering his money year. He’s in the same talent ballpark as fellow 2024 class receivers Smith and Ryan Williams. He could be drafted with them. But he needs to put together a strong year of tape as a junior to solidify that positioning — and the surest way to do that is to pair with an elite, proven quarterback.”
That means the Tigers’ next coach will need to not only sell Coleman on the program’s future, but also deliver a big-name transfer QB capable of unlocking his full potential.
Coleman’s value is peaking. Players of his caliber can redefine an entire offense — and it’s safe to assume he’s already drawing interest behind the scenes, even if it’s “technically” not allowed. If he does decide to enter the portal, there’s a strong chance he already knows where he’s headed, leaving Auburn with little time to sway him.
The best-case scenario for the Tigers is hiring their next head coach quickly — someone who can rally boosters, secure NIL support, and convince Coleman that staying put will benefit his career. But that coach will also need to make good on a promise to bring in a quarterback who can help Coleman showcase his NFL-ready skill set.
It won’t be easy, but Auburn’s hopes of hanging onto its star wideout may depend on whether the program can finally give him the offensive firepower he deserves.