March Madness may have stolen the spotlight, but Cormani McClain is quietly flipping the script in Gainesville. Well, the former five-star, once Prime’s prized gem, had a rocky 2024—just 5 tackles and a boatload of doubt. Following that, fans weren’t thrilled when he hit the portal. He looked like a bust. But now? He’s locked in. Grinding and making noise without saying a word. Still, national analysts aren’t sold just yet. And the message is clear: the talent’s there, but the work has to keep showing.

On3, J.D. PicKell put the spotlight on the Florida Gators—and one name stood out loud and clear: Cormani McClain. Okay, once seen as a 5-star with growing pains, the former CU transfer had question marks all over his game. And PicKell put it best, saying, “The thought around him was when he got to Florida, ‘Hey, this guy still got some things to figure out from a process point of view. Still has to figure out how to handle his business. Still has to figure out how to be a college football player.'” But this spring? According to Pickell, he’s flipped the switch. “He has done a ton of work to get to a point where he could compete to actually start in the spring,” said Pickell. So, McClain might finally be turning promise into production—and that’s huge for Florida’s defense.

However, J.D. PicKell had more to say about Cormani McClain—and it sounds like things are trending up. With injuries clearing the way, McClain’s been soaking up valuable reps this spring. “He’s benefiting from some of these reps not being on the table because of injuries. So more power to him,” remarked PicKell. And here, he’s pulling for the former 5-star to flash some of that old hype. “I hope that he b—s out a little bit this spring… and had a good spring game as well,” said the national analyst. So, the opportunity is there—and McClain just might be making the most of it.

As of now, Cormani McClain is starting to look like the real deal in Gainesville. Okay, back in early April, he dropped a slick IG practice clip with the caption, “Ready to run it back. Gator Nation? See you at the Florida Victorious Meet & Greet next Saturday.” To be honest, that confidence is earned. Look, the man’s been grinding. He’s packed on 20 pounds since arriving—now sitting at a strong 182—and is still flying. Gators’ strength coach Tyler Miles said McClain clocked 23 mph on the treadmill during winter drills. And that kind of speed? You can’t teach it. So, McClain’s growing into the star everyone hoped he’d be.

But while the Gators CB’s improvement turns heads, Gators HC Billy Napier’s transfer portal gamble is making waves of its own.

Cormani McClain is not the only one shining

Florida just got a big-time boost. According to On3, the Gators added UCLA transfer J. Michael Sturdivant—making him their second portal pickup for 2025. Well, the 6’3”, 216-pound wideout brings size, speed, and serious playmaking. Last season, he racked up 315 yards and two scores on 22 catches. Now, he’s set to become DJ Lagway’s go-to deep threat. As J.D. PicKell put it, stating, “He can move… and I just love to see him flash in the spring.” So, Gator fans better buckle up—this duo could light it up in the Swamp.

Here, J.D. PicKell sees WR1 energy brewing in Gainesville. And the early intel backs it up, mentioning, “Hey, Florida, they’re good on the portal in the spring, man. They’re not going to go get a receiver. They feel like they got one right now—J. Michael Sturdivant.” However, the tape doesn’t lie—back-shoulder grabs, pure swagger, and smooth celebrations. He’s been flashing on Florida socials, and if he brings that same juice to the spring game? Look out. As PicKell put it, Sturdivant’s the real deal, and he might be the perfect target to unlock DJ Lagway’s full arsenal.

But Billy Napier rolled the dice this spring. Yes, while most expected Florida to dip into the portal for a wide receiver, Napier bet on what he already had. That gamble put more eyes on Florida’s depth—and the spring game gave fans a glimpse. As national analyst J.D. PicKell said, “You put the keys in the ignition… and you start to drive home, and you say, ‘You know what? If those guys out there—a lot of those guys—are going to be twos for us, we’re going to be in good shape.'” So, no portal splash, just faith in the roster—and it might just work.

However, for the first time in a while, Florida’s not starting from scratch. Well, they’ve got real returning production—and not just a little. As J.D. PicKell pointed out, it’s in the Top 20 in the country. You know, that kind of continuity? It’s a game-changer. You can say, in the SEC and across CFB, that’s the secret sauce to staying dangerous.