The Auburn Tigers may get a chance to play Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during the 2027 season. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian alluded to as much, indirectly, with a bombshell revelation on Monday morning. Auburn will travel to DKR Stadium sometime in 2027, and Texas will return the favor in 2029. There's no chance Manning will be playing in the latter game, but 2027 is now a distinct possibility after Sarkisian's bold claim.
Per Sarkisian, while speaking to Kay Adams, "You know, we haven’t had the discussion, but I will tell you, I would not be surprised (if Manning returns in 2027). I think Arch really loves college football, I really do. I think he loves the University of Texas, you know, he does pretty good through NIL, you know, he’s got some pretty good endorsements going right now, which is a credit to him."
Manning is entering his fourth year in Austin, but his second as the team's starting quarterback after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons. During Ewers' two years ahead of Manning, the Longhorns were in the CFP and ended both seasons among the last four teams remaining each time. Texas lost three games last season, to the Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators, and Georgia Bulldogs, though, costing them a shot at the CFP. Sarkisian, for some reason, felt his team was robbed.
It stands to reason that if the Longhorns break a two-decade-plus-long title drought, the donor class could spend big money to maintain the roster and keep NFL talents in college one more season. Perhaps, then, the Tigers' defense will get their licks in on the most hyped QB prospect of the NIL/rev-share era.
Could Auburn face Cam Coleman in Texas during the 2027 season?
If Manning could be financially swayed to stay in Central Texas, can former 5-star Auburn recruit Cam Coleman? From what we've seen between Coleman and Manning, the two have notable chemistry. We just haven't seen it in a game yet, but given the talent involved, there's no reason to think it wouldn't work out.
We could see historic stats put up from the Burnt Orange this coming fall, though from a collective effort. Coleman won't be Manning's only weapon, joining Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V, and star freshman Jermaine Bishop in a loaded receiving corps. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown join the cause in the backfield. Michigan State Spartans tight end Michael Masunas joins as a weapon at tight end, particularly as a blocker.
Interestingly, the less impressive Coleman's numbers are this year, the likelier it is that the Tigers see him next season. NFL millions would come calling for Coleman as a first-round pick, and unlike Manning at the QB position, the promise of immediate NFL snaps will be there for him. If his stock isn't at the level of a first-round pick near the top of the draft, it could make more financial sense for Coleman to stick in the SEC for a fourth year. Then, he too would get the chance to play Auburn.
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