Cormani McClain inks NIL deal with Florida Victorious collective

After a standout career at Lakeland (Fla.) High School, Cormani McClain took his talents to Colorado to start his college career. He then entered the transfer portal after one season and committed to Florida, opting to return to his home state.

As he gets ready for his sophomore campaign, the former highly rated recruit has his first NIL deal since committing to the Gators.

McClain is partnering with the UF-focused NIL collective, Florida Victorious. It replaced the Gator Collective as Florida’s primary collective last year and signed 64 football players to NIL deals in April 2023. Now, it has an agreement with one of the Gators’ most notable transfer commitments.

Welcoming @CormaniMcClain2 to the Team! 🚀the newest cornerback out of Lakeland. 🌟 Cormani is set to be a lockdown force on the field. Let's give him a warm welcome!

Visit Florida Victorious to show your support and be part of the excitement.
🔗 Link in bio pic.twitter.com/lQblCbnONV

— Florida Victorious (@Fl_Victorious) July 5, 2024

Repped by Disruptive Sports Agency, McClain was a highly touted recruit out of Lakeland. He was the No. 13 overall player and top-rated cornerback from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

More on Cormani McClain’s journey to Florida

Florida was on McClain’s radar out of high school before he committed to Miami. He then de-committed and opted to sign with Colorado, which was gearing up for Year 1 of the Deion Sanders Era, and appeared in eight games. During that time, McClain totaled 13 tackles and two pass break-ups before opting to transfer.

Once he entered the portal, McClain came in as the No. 21 overall player and No. 2-ranked cornerback in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Sanders also addressed his decision, wishing his former cornerback the best as he embarked on his next step.

“I’m always in prayer for young men, and I want the best for them,” Sanders told DNVR. “And I pray to God that he goes to a program that challenges him as well as holds him accountable and develops him as a young man. Unfortunately, we weren’t the program that could accomplish that.

“So prayerfully that he understands that this is his second go-around and get it. Go get it, man. Because he has a tremendous amount of talent, but he has to want it.”

Once he decided to transfer, McClain received interest from programs across the Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, On3’s Pete Nakos reported at the time. He ultimately chose Florida as Billy Napier gets ready for his third season with the Gators.