Omarion Cooper transfer portal: Top 5 landings spots for Florida State CB if he leaves the program
Omarion Cooper is on the move again. Cooper has already had one of the more bizarre transfer careers. A Florida State signee from the Sunshine State, Cooper spent two years at FSU and then hit the portal. The defensive back landed at Colorado with Deion Sanders. Cooper had a productive 2023 season, making 37 tackles and breaking up five passes.
But, he became disenchanted in the spring and transferred back to Florida State. His second round in Tallahassee was less successful than the first. Cooper played in just three games with two tackles and a pass breakup. Accordingly, on Sunday, he announced his plan to enter the portal again before his final college season.
Cooper, a three-star high school recruit, has amassed 69 tackles and broken up 13 passes, including three interceptions. Where could he spend his last year of college? Here are some solid possibilities.
Omarion Cooper transfer portal: 5 possible landing spots
5. Colorado
There's no indication of interest from Colorado, but this is purely a suggestion for the insanity of the transfer log. If Cooper's career goes Florida State to Colorado to Florida State to Colorado, that would be something. In all seriousness, Cooper racked up the majority of his career numbers in his single season with the Buffs. He might just come back, strange things happen.
4. Kentucky
Kentucky is thin in the secondary after a 4-8 season and a rash of transfer portal departures. Wildcats coach Mark Stoops likes players like Cooper who can play either corner or safety. Meanwhile, Cooper would see action in the Southeastern Conference and get on tape playing in a system that has put a relatively high number of under-the-radar guys into the NFL.
3. UCF
For a Florida product looking for a fresh start, UCF might well be a good possibility. The Golden Knights hired Scott Frost to return to the program where he fared well. Meanwhile, UCF was 87th nationally last year in pass defense efficiency. Four of the six UCF players who had interceptions were seniors.
In his final season, Cooper might choose a less prominent school that can provide a full season of on-field action. His move to UCF would be a logical possibility because that'd be a mutually beneficial fresh start for two parties who could use some quality.
2. Indiana
On the other hand, the Hoosiers are fresh off College Football Playoff selection but will probably need some roster help. Curt Cignetti's team did take advantage of some smoke and mirrors to post their 11-1 season. Meanwhile, IU will face the looming possibility of players heading for the NFL or the portal to cash in on the season's success.
Cooper has seen some changes before and could be ready to assume an immediate role in the Hoosier secondary. He's versatile and experienced and could add a shot of solidity to a secondary group that might see some significant off-season transition.
1. South Florida
Much as with UCF, this one might come together quickly. South Florida recruited Cooper out of high school, and they had some issues with pass defense in 2024. The Bulls finished 128th of 134 FBS teams, allowing 278.7 passing yards per game. With a 6-6 team, South Florida is probably a few better secondary players away from making a more serious bowl run.
With three stops and a relative lack of recent playing time, it's fair to guess that getting on the field early and often will matter to Cooper. If so, South Florida would give him a local place to land and an immediate opportunity.
What do you think of Cooper's transfer portal options? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!