DB Cormani McClain re-signs with Florida football

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Redshirt sophomore cornerback Cormani McClain re-signed with Florida Victorious on New Year’s Eve, signaling his return to the Gators for the 2026 season.

Regarded as the top overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, McClain spent time committed to both Florida and Miami before flipping to Colorado. He played in nine games with four starts with the Buffaloes, recording 17 tackles (six solo), two pass breakups and a tackle for a loss. Despite the early playing time, a personality clash with Colorado head coach Deion Sanders led to McClain entering the transfer portal.

He landed at Florida despite questions about his maturity and willingness to prepare for major competition. Billy Napier and edge defender Tyreak Sapp took him under their wing and used the 2024 campaign as a developmental year. McClain played in just three games, with one start at corner, logging five tackles (three solo), one pass breakup, an interception returned for a touchdown and 0.5 tackles for a loss, but the off-the-field progress was more important.

“I think Cormani has taken the feedback and tried to get better,” Napier said over the summer. “He needs to become a better tackler. I think the weight room helps that. His physicality, his play strength. Obviously, he’s got to be a better communicator, and he’s got to have a thorough understanding of the playbook right now. This guy, there’s growth. It’s time to do it.”

His 2025 season was a culmination of that hard work and growth. McClain played in 10 games, with six starts, recording 18 tackles (10 solo), 1.0 tackles for a loss, an interception and a pass breakup. Pro Football Focus gave him a defensive grade of 67.0, a run defense grade of 74.4 and a tackle grade of 79.4. His 538 snaps played signaled how much trust Florida’s coaching staff had in him.

“It (the turnaround) was tough. I was a young player. I really didn’t know enough knowledge and just needed someone to keep pushing me,” McClain said. “I had a great experience at Colorado — just not people seeing eye to eye. We don’t talk, but there’s no bad blood (with Coach Sanders). It’s all love.”

Now, McClain is primed for a starting role at Florida alongside Dijon Johnson as the two returning cornerbacks with seniority.

Florida players who have re-signed with the Gators

While Florida has lost more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, several notable names have publicly announced their intention to re-sign with the Gators.

Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., wide receivers TJ Abrams, Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, offensive lineman Roderick Kearney, defensive linemen Joseph Mbatchou and Jeramiah McCloud, edges Kamran James and LJ McCray, linebackers Aaron Chiles and Myles Graham and defensive backs Lagonza Hayward, Dijon Johnson and Bryce Thornton have also announced new deals with Florida Victorious.

Tight end Amir Jackson also reversed his decision to enter the transfer portal.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football CB Cormani McClain returning for 2026 season

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