Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the key reason former five-star Central Red Devils receiver Cam Coleman walked away from the Auburn Tigers and chose to join one of the SEC’s top contenders in recent years. According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, it wasn’t just Manning’s talent that persuaded Coleman along with NC State Wolfpack transfer running back Hollywood Smothers and Pitt Panthers transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles to choose Texas. Sark said Manning’s financial sacrifice played a major role as well.
Sarkisian explained, “Arch could’ve held us hostage for six or seven million whatever number he wanted. By taking less, he essentially freed up an extra five million for us to go get players like Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, and Rasheem Biles.”
It’s unclear whether Sarkisian openly admitted that Manning accepted a massive pay cut in rev-share, giving Texas spending power few programs can match. Then again, some schools are keeping pace the Texas Tech Red Raiders, for example, signed Cincinnati Bearcats transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby for $6 million and still pushed close to $40 million for their 2026 roster.
Manning makes up that reduced rev-share income through high-end NIL deals with Red Bull, Panini America, Vuori, and Uber/Waymo, and those partnerships may help set up his NFL future as a likely top draft pick.
Arch Manning essentially “bought” Texas the transfers they needed
In today’s NIL/revenue-sharing landscape, where spending resembles a free-for-all, Manning took the long view. He accepted less money from the University of Texas at Austin so Sarkisian, GM Brandon Harris, and the rest of the staff could surround him with top-tier talent.
Coleman has already impressed in spring practices, though fans won’t see much of him at the team’s public scrimmage the format was scaled back due to Manning’s uncertain health following offseason foot surgery. When Manning returns this fall, he’ll have an elite supporting cast a group he helped assemble by refusing the massive salary he easily could’ve commanded nationwide.
Manning chose Texas, stayed committed through four years in Central Texas including two backing up Quinn Ewers and put real money on the line. Early signs show that Coleman is validating Manning’s bet.
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