Just over two weeks into the transfer portal window, the SEC is already buzzing with movement-and a few programs are making their intentions crystal clear. From Texas loading up for a potential title run to Alabama navigating a rocky stretch, and Kentucky leaning into upside, the early returns from the portal give us a glimpse into how some of the league’s most intriguing teams are shaping up for 2026.
Let’s break down three of the most compelling storylines from the SEC’s early portal activity:
Texas Is Going All-In
Texas isn’t tiptoeing into its first SEC season-they’re diving in headfirst, with their eyes firmly on the prize. Head coach Steve Sarkisian knows the window is now, and with Arch Manning likely entering his final season in burnt orange, the Longhorns are going all out to surround their star quarterback with elite talent.
The headline grabber is Cam Coleman, a former 5-star wideout who was Auburn’s top receiving threat despite inconsistent quarterback play. Now, he gets to catch passes from Manning in what could be one of the most potent QB-WR duos in the conference. Both players are likely to land on preseason All-SEC lists, and for good reason.
But Coleman isn’t the only splash. Texas also bolstered its backfield with the additions of Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, two dynamic playmakers who bring speed and versatility. On defense, they’ve added key depth and athleticism with former Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles and ex-Rutgers cornerback Bo Mascoe, both 4-star transfers.
This is a roster that’s being built to win now. The Longhorns aren’t just plugging holes-they’re stacking talent on top of talent. If Manning plays like many expect him to, Texas could be a serious contender in their SEC debut.
Alabama’s Portal Struggles Raise Eyebrows
It’s been a turbulent start to the portal cycle for Alabama. Kalen DeBoer’s first offseason in Tuscaloosa has come with some growing pains, and the early portal returns haven’t exactly calmed any nerves.
The Crimson Tide have seen a wave of talent head out the door. Among the notable 4-star departures are Jordan Renaud, Isaiah Horton, James Smith, Qua Russaw, Keon Keeley, and Wilkin Formby-all gone to either top-tier SEC rivals or national powers like Ohio State and Notre Dame. That’s a significant talent drain, especially compared to last year’s relatively quiet outbound group.
On the flip side, the incoming class hasn’t done much to offset those losses. Alabama missed out on Cam Coleman, who chose Texas, and also saw Hollywood Smothers flip to the Longhorns after a brief commitment to the Tide.
There are some additions, but they come with question marks. Noah Rogers, a receiver from NC State, is a solid get, but it’s hard to say he’s an upgrade over Horton. On the offensive line, Nick Brooks and Ty Haywood bring different profiles-Brooks logged just over 200 snaps for Texas last season and struggled in pass protection, while Haywood is a former top recruit who barely saw the field at Michigan as a freshman.
Still, there’s a silver lining. Alabama’s high school recruiting class remains elite-they hold the No. 2 class in the country despite signing just 23 players.
That’s a strong foundation, and internal development could help smooth over some of the portal bumps. But make no mistake: this is a critical stretch for DeBoer and his staff.
The Tide are still loaded with talent, but the portal turbulence is something to watch closely.
Kentucky Has a Plan-and They’re Sticking to It
While some teams are chasing proven production, Kentucky is betting on potential. Under new head coach Will Stein, the Wildcats have taken a clear and calculated approach to the portal: target former blue-chip recruits who haven’t quite found their footing yet.
So far, that strategy has yielded a top-10 transfer class nationally, per 247Sports, and nearly 30 new faces. Many of those additions fall into a specific mold-players with elite high school pedigrees who didn’t see much playing time at their previous stops.
Here’s a sample of that group:
- CJ Baxter, RB (Texas): 192 carries over three seasons
- Elijah Barnes, LB (Texas): 43 snaps in 2025
- Olaus Alinen, OL (Alabama): 44 snaps in 2025
- Aaron Gates, S (Florida): 77 snaps in 2025
- Max Anderson, OL (Tennessee): 76 snaps in 2025
- Kenny Minchey, QB (Notre Dame): 29 pass attempts in three years
- Tavion Wallace, LB (Arkansas): 11 snaps in 2025
- Nic Anderson, WR (Oklahoma/LSU): 50 catches over four seasons
These aren’t plug-and-play veterans with gaudy stats-but that’s the point. Kentucky is banking on upside.
These are athletes who, for one reason or another, didn’t break through at their previous schools. But the talent is there, and the Wildcats are hoping a change of scenery unlocks it.
They’ve also added players like Jovantae Barnes, Jordan Castell, Tegra Tshabola, and Lance Heard-blue-chip recruits who were consistent contributors at their prior programs, adding a nice balance to the class.
The result? A roster full of high-ceiling players who could blossom in Lexington.
It’s a bold strategy, but one that makes sense for a program looking to raise its ceiling. If even a few of these bets pay off, Kentucky could surprise some folks in 2026.
Final Thoughts
We’re still early in the portal cycle, and there’s more movement to come. But the early trends are telling.
Texas is going for it. Alabama is trying to steady the ship.
And Kentucky is swinging on upside.
In a league as deep and competitive as the SEC, how teams navigate the portal can be the difference between an 8-win season and a trip to Atlanta. And right now, it’s clear which programs are pushing their chips to the center of the table.