We are just three weeks in, and the Florida Gators have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Cormani McClain is among the Florida players who have featured in headlines, albeit for off the field stuff. Like any other player at the same age, the young cornerback, who transferred from Colorado to Florida in search of a fresh start, has had both; good and bad fortunes. Neglected from the team’s lineup in their first match against the Miami Hurricanes, to whom the Gators lost by a 41-17 score, McClain’s absence was becoming a matter of discussion. Now Billi Napier’s boys lost in their Week 3 game against Texas A&M, and McClain is here again. 

The former five-star recruit shared a picture on Instagram, and the post received much attention from fans. In this image, McClain wore a shirt with a clear text on it saying, “The Price is the Price.” It did not take much time for rumors to arise about what message was coded within it. Although the message on the shirt may not be on the loud side, what comes across the screen shows as though McClain is speaking about the worth and possibly the price of not placing him out on the field. But McClain’s Instagram post wasn’t just about fashion; it’s a reflection of his mindset. 

However, if questions about his practice habits and other rumors that led to his absence from the lineup persist, it would imply that McClain has more problems than a football one. Even though his mum came to his defense and said most of what was being said was over-exaggeration, and that Cormani was doing everything within the capacity to develop further, Billy Napier is yet to put him on the field. However, McClain’s case, in the eyes of the fans, will continue to solidify until Florida Gators improve on the field. That didn’t happen in Week 3. 

The Gators’ struggles continue without Cormani McClain

With McClain out of the team, the Gators have been struggling. Picking the pieces from their nasty electrifying loss to Miami, Florida was able to produce their best show of the year by thrashing Samford by a score of 45-7; nevertheless, switching between impressive and awful games has been evident. The defense, which McClain was expected to bolster, has had its fair share of challenges.

The absence of McClain in the lineup is odd. It’s further exasperated by the struggles of Florida’s defense. The Florida Gators’ 2024 season has been rocky, marked by a tough start and mounting frustration. Their campaign kicked off with a disappointing 41-17 loss to Miami, where Graham Mertz struggled, throwing for just 91 yards. A bounce-back win against Samford, highlighted by Jaden Lagway’s impressive 456 yards passing, briefly lifted spirits. However, the Gators fell 33-20 to Texas A&M on September 14. Mertz threw for 195 yards but could not secure a win. The team’s inconsistent performances and recent internal discord have intensified scrutiny on head coach Billy Napier’s future with Florida.

In total, McClain is to be considered a talented performer further to the gossip and obstacles in his way. This is evidenced by stats he has provided in high school, and though his time with Colorado alongside Coach Prime wasn’t the best, he is a genius in the making. But the question is whether he can be a productive player at Florida or not. But for now, McClain seems content to let his actions — and his wardrobe — do the talking.