Rumor: Utah In The Mix For Colorado Transfer Cormani McClain

One of the nation's highest recruits in the 2023 class, former five-star Cormani McClain, recently announced his intention to leave the Colorado Buffaloes.

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Cormani McClain (1) against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 'Deion Effect' might be wearing off.

Cormani McClain, a former five-star prospect, and the nation’s highest-rated cornerback in the 2023 class, has announced his intention to leave the Colorado Buffaloes.

BREAKING: Colorado CB Cormani McClain plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The 6’3 173 CB from Lakeland, FL was ranked as the No. 1 CB in the ‘23 Class (per On3) 👀

Will have 4 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/xSqXS0NCGh pic.twitter.com/Saq4s7IByA

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 16, 2024

 McClain, who played at Lakeland HS in Florida, was one of head coach Deion Sanders' most sought-after recruits, joining the team in 2023 as the No. 14 ranked player in the nation. 

McClain’s departure from Colorado adds another layer to a young, but insane, collegiate career. During his original recruitment, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal’s entire staff attended signing day just to witness McClain flip his commitment to Coach Prime’s squad. Once in Colorado, McClain seemingly had some trouble in paradise. The prized recruit was reportedlychewed out by his head coach in late September.

McClain's transfer begs the question; Could Utah convince another top athlete to join their squad? 

While the Utes don’t need another corner, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who would complain about adding a 6-foot-3, former five-star recruit, to the team. 

McClain made a significant impact during his freshman campaign in Boulder. In nine games, he registered 13 tackles (one for loss) and two pass deflections, including a touchdown-saving pass breakup on former Heisman winner Caleb Williams. 

McClain would be a massive addition to the Utes' defense. However, even without his services, Utah should be in good hands. 

Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley and cornerback coach Sharrieff Shah spent their offseason creating a disgustingly talented corner room. Keeping defensive standout Zemaiah Vaughn was the start, but adding Georgia Tech’s Kenan Johnson and Michigan’s Cameron Calhoun was the duo's biggest move of the offseason. Both Johnson and Calhoun have stood out during spring camp. Gaining wide praise for their ability. Each player looks set to join Utah’s starting lineup alongside Vaughn. 

Regardless of the roster's current talent level, the rumor mill believes Utah will reach out to McClain to gauge interest.

Receiving word that former 5 ⭐️ CB Cormani McClain is set to enter the transfer portal…

Teams I’d lookout for to land McClain :

USC, Utah, LSU, South Carolina, Louisville and USF.

— PolkWay (@polk_way) April 16, 2024

Why wouldn't they? A talented, young, playmaking corner is a hot commodity in the modern CFB climate. McClain might be convinced to come to Salt Lake by the smooth-talking of Coach Shah. The 13th-year Cornerback Coach has been credited in the past for his ability to bring in talent from the transfer portal.

The Utes, however, might have an uphill battle, as many insiders believe McClain will elect to take his talents back to his home state (Florida).