Travis Hunter hit a Heisman pose after an incredible second-half interception against UCF. This made everyone stand up and take notice of his credentials and the two-way star made no secret of his intentions. With a 48-21 rout of UCF, the Buffs went 4-1, already equalling their tally from last season. Hunter once again had a great game catching nine passes for 89 yards, one touchdown, and also added a pick on defense. All this was enough to get his former teammate, Cormani McClain’s attention.

It has been months since CB Cormani McClain called it quits with Deion Sanders’ army in search of a “real” program. But it seems he still holds on to that Boulder connection. Last week on September 23, he dropped an Instagram post of himself in a black t-shirt that had a golden No.1 written on the back, the number he used to wear on the field for Colorado. And now, he took the opportunity to comment when Hunter posted a snippet of the win over UCF on social media.

Apart from being a two-way phenomenon, Hunter has his own podcast and uploads vlogs on his YouTube channel. Following the UCF game, Hunter posted a glimpse of his next vlog on Instagram on September 30 while mentioning that his GameDay vlog link will be in his bio. In the brief Instagram video, we see some top plays from Hunter from his most recent outing including his diving interception midway through the third quarter. He then topped it with a 1991 Heisman winner Desmond Howard pose in the end zone. As the Buffs family gathered in the comment section, McClain didn’t want to miss out.

The Gators player chose to hype his old mate and commented, “RL,” which stands for “real life.” During his stay in Colorado, McClain had developed quite a bond with Hunter, evident during some of the Buffs’ training sessions last year.

In one of the sessions, we saw Hunter casually dressed, while McClain was sweating it out on the training ground. Hunter then shared some game inputs with the CB and coached some ideas which he listened keenly. We also witnessed how during a game against Utah, when McClain got into a heated situation with opposing players, Hunter pulled the then-freshman away from the scene.

However, their association wouldn’t last as McClain entered the transfer portal earlier this year after a difficult time with Coach Prime and was snapped up by the Gators.

However, the IG activity by McClain has left the Buffs fans wondering what could have been. The two didn’t play together in many games, with the pair playing every snap together on defense in the November 13 defeat to Arizona. Still, it didn’t stop the Buffs fans from wishing for the CB’s return to the program, given his rough start with the Gators.

Buffs fans wish for Cormani McClain’s return after a difficult Gators start

After entering the transfer portal, McClain joined Billy Napier’s team in hopes of a new beginning but got off to a less-than-ideal start. It was reported that he hadn’t been punctual with team meetings and training, with rumors even circulating that he had been quietly let go by the program. However, Napier brushed aside those concerns.

However, concerns remain as the CB is yet to start a game for his new team. Knowing that back in Florida, McClain is not getting treated well, came up as a green signal for Buffs fans to share their intense yearning. It prompted one fan to reply to McClain’s comment writing, “it’s not too late to come back bloody.” 

There have been reports of McClain being out of the team due to an eye injury, but questions remain over his future with the program. Because of this, under the Gators star comment section, another fan too requested to flip sides, “come back & do it right they got you bro 🤞🤞🤞 either way God bless & wish you the best.” 

His departure would have hurt the Buffs fans, given he was a 5-star recruit from Lakeland High School and headlined Coach Prime’s recruiting class. Fans would have dreamed of seeing him team up with Travis Hunter to lead the Buffs into a new era, but it never came to pass.

His discipline issues overshadowed his tenure in Boulder, with Deion Sanders calling him out. After he entered the game late against Oregon with Hunter recovering from a lacerated liver, his effort didn’t please Sanders. The Buffs HC said, “Study, prepare, be on time for meetings, show up to the dern meetings. Understand what we’re doing as a scheme. Want to play this game… Desire to play this game. Desire to be the best in this game– at practice, in the film room and in your own free time.”

McClain chose to respond subtly in an Instagram post, writing, “You’ll be surprised what happens behind closed doors. (Everything) ain’t just what is seem… But pushing thru politic everyday the only way out!”  It did appear that all was not well in the camp, and after entering the transfer portal, McClain mentioned, he doesn’t want to“just play for clicks, I want to be involved in a great leading program.”

However, a fan believed, “u should’ve stayed down cuh.” In case he chose to hold his transfer, Deion could have explored the Hunter-McClain duo. Now that McClain is gone, a fan has no other option but to fantasize about how things could have been different with the CB, “man if you would’ve stayed with the buffs we could have a no fly zone secondary. good luck 7.” Good news for the fans, as their favorite McClain was in attendance in Boulder’s game against the UCF Knights.

Interestingly, McClain was in attendance in Boulder during the Buffs’ game against the UCF Knights. While the Buffs fans might be dancing in excitement and already planning for a grand welcome, a fan chose to rain on their parade writing, “He’s scouting for Florida since they play UCF next week, lol.”

Well, it appears McClain has been teasing the Buffs fans, and his comment on Hunter’s post and being present for the game have added fuel to the fire. Will we see him return to the program down the line? Stranger things have happened.

Like the speculations on players’ next moves if you want to know more about concepts like NIL and NFL you can explore the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.