After Transfer Portal Bombshell, Cormani McClain’s Exit Reasoning Could Expose Coach Prime and Colorado Football

Coach Prime’s Colorado program is facing a wave of departures since the spring transfer window opened up. This is becoming a familiar pattern under Deion Sanders as the CU Buffs have already seen several key players enter the portal, seeking opportunities elsewhere. WR Tar’Varish Dawson, Safety Myles Slusher, OT Savion Washington, O-lineman David Conner, and D-lineman Chazz Wallace are among those exiting from the team. Now joining them is Colorado’s most-talked-about CB Cormani McClain.

McClain is hitting the portal after just one season with Coach Prime. He was Sanders’ high-profile recruit in 2023 and his exit might hurt the program’s image a lot. In a way, it is also leading to even more scrutiny around Coach Prime and his approach to the team.

Cormani McClain adds fuel to buffs transfer fire

Now Cormani McClain becomes the 10th Colorado player to enter the transfer portal, adding to the team’s “dramatic portal exits”. McClain made headlines when he switched from Miami to Colorado, eager to be coached by the legendary Deion Sanders. He wasn’t alone – many players flocked to the Buffs because of Coach Prime. But unfortunately, things haven’t turned out as he’d hoped. McClain saw limited playing time, and when asked about it, Sanders didn’t mince words saying, “He’s got to prepare.”

Only an injury opened the door for McClain against USC, where he showed flashes of his talent with 13 tackles and two pass deflections. While some thought McClain could shine with the Buffs, his actions tell a different story. He’s been skipping Spring Practices as a rebellious way to show his dissatisfaction.  He’s also been actively sharing news on social media about other players leaving, followed by his own transfer announcement. These actions suggest McClain wasn’t shy about his plans to exit, dropping hints for a while before making it official.

Is Coach Prime’s coaching style getting exposed?

In a way, Cormani McClain’s actions suggest that he was looking at a better opportunity elsewhere. His reasons for leaving might also expose deeper issues within Coach Prime’s program. It looks like a lack of playing time and unimpressive stats might not be the whole story. Some fans believe Coach Prime’s tough approach could be a factor. 

Former Buffs linebacker Eoghan Kerry recently shared how he was bluntly dismissed for not being “older, more physical, stronger.” Kerry’s experience raises the possibility that McClain faced similar treatment. While McClain hasn’t revealed his official reasons, his exit exposes more about Coach Prime’s ability to retain star players.

Coach Prime’s arrival raised expectations for both fans and players. While he improved the Buffs’ record from 1-11 to 4-8 in 2023, many hoped for a more dramatic turnaround. Beyond the image and marketing, people wanted to see Coach Prime’s ability to truly rebuild the team. Spring game practices offered a glimmer of hope, but the wave of player departures tells a different story. It looks like the head coach is not as strong with action as he is with words.

What are your thoughts on the situation in Boulder? Share with us in the comments below.