The case of Cormani McClain and the entire Gators’ saga is something Christopher Nolan can make a movie on. Jumping from one boat to another because McClain didn’t enjoy Deion Sanders’ “playing for clicks” style and then finding himself in limbo. Quite a wild ride. So, when it was time to have an exclusive interview with former NFL star and college football analyst Jesse Palmer (Someone who had played for the Gators), how could we from EssentiallySports skip asking the “Cormani McClain” question?

EssentiallySports interview host, Andrew Whitelaw, had a simple question: “In hindsight, do you think he (Cormani McClain) made the right decision to join Billy Napier’s program?” Jesse Palmer had a surprising answer to this. “It’s a decision that he made when he felt he had the best opportunity….. but I know the coaching staff is very excited,” Palmer mentioned. In a way, many would agree that McClain joining the Gators was like a golden goose being handed over to Billy Napier.

In retrospect, Napier never knew what he was supposed to do with the talent he was getting. As the Gators progressed into the 2024 season, many questions were raised regarding Cormani’s absence from the games, even during the Hurricanes game. McClain was seen warming up, but he never hit the turf. We soon got to know that Napier had decided to bench McClain because he was “too small.”

This turned things around for every Gators fan and even McClain himself. This guy wanted a program where he could finally flex and play, but those dreams were crushed fast. When the Gators suffered the crushing defeat against Miami, McClain quickly took to his Instagram story to write, “I am being humble rn, but eventually everybody gotta pay.” This started an entirely new rumor mill.

So, the big question now is whether McClain will bail on the Gators and head back to Coach Prime. Because, a few days after his Instagram story, McClain posted a picture on his account with him wearing a black t-shirt with ‘1’ written in gold behind it. The only team where he had that type of jersey was the Buffs. Now we don’t know if Deion Sanders wants McClain back or not but what we do know is that Cormani could be Napier’s final shot at saving his coaching career.

Jesse Palmer’s advice to Billy Napier

In the same exclusive interview, Palmer had the perfect advice for Napier. “Defensive side of the football is really where the Gators have to continue improving,” Palmer mentioned. While it looks like Napier has finally found some footing in the offense with QB Graham Mertz showing much-needed improvement, the defense still needs a heck lot of work.

Against Miami and Aggies, the Gators had allowed 592 yards and 488 yards, respectively. During the UCF game, that number did fall to 273 yards. However, it is still not enough. You gotta keep in mind that the dream of reaching the playoffs is long gone. Napier can only save his HC cap if he manages to take the team to the Bowl games and for that, he still needs at least 3 more wins.

Bringing McClain out right now makes perfect sense. While McClain has only played 9 games back in 2023 and 0 for the 2024 season, this dude still has some respectable stats. He has brought in 13 tackles for the Buffs and was a strong force on the defensive line. If Napier wants to bolster his D-line further, then McClain is the answer. We are gonna have to wait and watch what decision Napier makes next.

It remains to be seen how the Gators will fare against the Vols. The college football fans have an amazing slate of games to look forward to this Saturday. Another thing they may like to know about? Former college football star QB Jesse Palmer’s collaboration with Fairfield by Marriott to launch the Home Field Advantage Contest for the country’s most dedicated college football fans.