South Carolina star named finalist for prestigious award

On Monday, the Jet Award Foundation announced the finalists for the 2025 edition of the Jet Award. Given annually to the top return man in college football, the Jet Award revealed five finalists for this season, including South Carolina football star Vicari Swain.

Joining Swain as finalists are Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen, Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Louisville’s Caullin Lacy, and Texas’ Ryan Niblett.

Wetjen, the 2024 winner of the award, is the heavy favorite to win again this fall. However, if anyone is to knock off the incumbent, it would likely be Swain.

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Despite not being the Gamecocks’ top returner through fall camp, defensive back Vicari Swain slotted in for expected starter Jalon Kilgore as the team’s punt returner during the season opener against Virginia Tech.

Swain returned a punt for a score against the Hokies. At the time, it was the go-ahead score in what had been a close contest. The next week against South Carolina State, Swain took back two punts for touchdowns. That also meant that the redshirt sophomore had three punt return touchdowns in a row.

For the season, Swain is averaging just under 16 yards per return and has three total return touchdowns. He is tied with Wetjen for the national lead in punt return touchdowns. Swain also has logged two interceptions and a sack as a standout corner for the Carolina defense.

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In many college football seasons, those numbers would be enough to win the Jet Award. However, Wetjen also has a kickoff return for a score, giving him four total special teams touchdowns on the year.

Still, Swain has tied the all-time South Carolina football record for single-season punt return scores. His three touchdowns matched Dickie Harris’ total from 1971. Swain remains one shy of Harris’ career mark. He has also tied the legendary Ace Sanders for second place.

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