Cormani McClain’s Mother Taken Aback as Family Member Shows Wide Range of Emotions at Her First Florida Game

Florida’s season opener at The Swamp was never in doubt. The No. 15 Gators rolled past LIU 55-0, checking every box along the way: dominate, stay healthy, and get everyone on the field. Most importantly, Billy Napier’s squad did just that in front of nearly 90,000 fans. But while the blowout win grabbed one set of headlines, another storyline stole the spotlight. Although star DB Cormani McClain’s status wasn’t revealed, his family still made the trip to Gainesville, and they brought a surprise that caught just as many eyes as the final score.

And why not? For the first time, Cormani McClain’s grandmother made the trip to see him suit up, joining his mom, Kaishay, in Gainesville. For Kaishay, game days are nothing new; her social media is usually packed with highlights and proud moments. But this time was different. Watching her mother experience the emotions of seeing Cormani on the field for the first time left Kaishay taken aback, swept up in a wave of pride and gratitude. And her Instagram story was living proof of that.

On September 1, Cormani McClain’s mom captured the priceless moment on her Instagram story. His grandma was on her feet, shouting and clapping with pure joy when Cormani’s picture flashed across the big screen. The reaction was so over-the-top that Kaishay couldn’t resist adding a playful caption: “This will be my mom’s last game! 🤣” The humor said it all; grandma’s excitement was next level. For Kaishay, who has been to countless games before, it might have felt routine. But for grandma, the emotions were brand new, raw, and unforgettable. And that’s not all.

Kaishay kept the proud-mom energy rolling on Instagram. She shared a video of herself and her mom belting out the Florida fight song after the Gators’ win, captioned, “#25 Go Gators 🐊.” And a week earlier, on August 20, she had posted a heartfelt collage with the words, “Proud of you son ♥️.” And the side-by-side photos, one from 2024, one from 2025, told their own story. So, the biggest takeaway?

McClain’s frame has changed. His arms look bigger, stronger, proof that he’s been grinding in the weight room. That physical growth is a reminder of why he was once the No. 1 defensive back in the Class of 2023. Now, while Cormani’s physical gains are clear and he waits for his first snaps this season, his climb to the top of the DB ranks comes with a long backstory.

Cormani McClain’s rise with the Florida Gators

Last September, rumors swirled in Gainesville. An injury report surfaced, hinting at a possible debut: “Cormani McClain not listed, do we see him against TAMU this week as his Gator debut 👀.” But the wait dragged on. In 2024, McClain suited up just twice, once against Georgia, where he tallied 4 tackles, and once against Kentucky, where he managed just one. So, speculation grew louder. Was he too small? Not disciplined enough? The whispers weren’t kind, and the “locker room cancer” label loomed heavy. Moreover, analysts piled on.

GatorsOnline’s Nick de la Torre reported, “I was told that Cormani McClain has been late to most of the requirements (meetings, lift, etc)… Essentially, you get a warning, then you have to do extra run/lift… which he’s shown up late to as well.” But through the noise, one voice never wavered; his mother, Kaishay. When critics circled, she fought back. Remember, during McClain’s Colorado stint, she defended him with fire, writing, “Gotta be somewhere where you’re appreciated and not just tolerated!!!” And her faith didn’t go unnoticed.

Florida finally handed McClain a scholarship, and Kaishay beamed with pride, stating, “God is amazing ❤️ Thankful for the whole staff at UF.” Now, with his body stronger and his mindset sharper, McClain’s moment has arrived to prove the critics wrong and remind Colorado what they let slip away.