Former Florida CB, Texas target Chris Steele transferring to Oregon

Fewer than a full week removed from elected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, former Florida Gators cornerback Chris Steele, who reportedly had interest in the Longhorns, has announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks.

Oklahoma and USC were the other programs reportedly under consideration by Steele, a former consensus four-star prospect ranked as the No. 42 player nationally and the No. 5 cornerback in the 2019 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Here’s what happened with Steele at Florida, according to the Gainesville Sun:

The decision stems from a request Steele made to the staff during his first month on campus, the source said. He asked to be moved to a different dorm because he was uncomfortable rooming with quarterback Jalon Jones, his classmate.

The staff did not plan to move Steele until the summer, which upset Steele and his parents, according to the source.

Then two female students accused Jones of sexual assault in the players’ dorm rooms on April 6. That prompted Steele to seek a transfer.

Because of the extreme extenuating circumstances surrounding Steele’s departure from the Gators program, he has a strong case to earn immediate eligibility from the NCAA if he decides to seek a waiver.

A California product, Steele considered Texas during his recruiting process, even visiting Austin early last year. However, the Horns unexpectedly missed the cut when Steele released his top eight last May.

The presence of a California native like Bru McCoy could have helped Texas if the Longhorns had decided to pursue Steele. But rather, the former Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco star is headed back west and become a late, but elite addition to Oregon.