Vicari Swain Makes Gamecock History with Electrifying Punt Return Touchdowns
South Carolina football fans witnessed history at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night as true freshman Vicari Swain delivered a performance for the ages in the Gamecocks’ home opener against South Carolina State.
No Gamecock player has returned three punts for touchdowns since 1971. Yet Swain has now accomplished that feat in less than six quarters of action, instantly cementing himself as one of the most electric special teams weapons in program history.
After returning a punt for a score in last week’s season-opening win over Virginia Tech, Swain doubled down on his highlight-reel ability against SC State. The freshman returned two punts for touchdowns in the first half alone, sending the Williams-Brice crowd into a frenzy.
“Anytime you touch the ball, you want to make something happen,” Swain said earlier this week. “Coach has trusted me in that spot, and my teammates have been blocking their tails off. I just try to make the most of every opportunity.”
The first return showcased his speed and vision, as he found a seam on the right sideline and outran the Bulldogs’ coverage unit. Minutes later, he did it again—this time weaving through defenders with dazzling cuts and bursts of acceleration that left fans on their feet.
By halftime, South Carolina held a 14-3 lead, fueled largely by Swain’s back-to-back scores. His performance not only gave the Gamecocks momentum in a weather-delayed, storm-soaked matchup, but also etched his name into the school’s record books.
Head coach Shane Beamer praised Swain’s poise and explosiveness after the game.
“Vicari is special,” Beamer said. “He’s a competitor, and he’s got that instinct with the ball in his hands that you just can’t teach. To see him do this so early in his career—wow. We knew he could be a difference-maker, but this is something special.”
Swain’s rise has quickly become one of the storylines of South Carolina’s season. With the Gamecocks climbing into the AP Top 10 and now showcasing a game-breaking return man, the team has another weapon capable of flipping the field—or putting points on the board—any time the opposing punter takes the field.
If his start is any indication, Vicari Swain is on pace not only to rewrite the Gamecocks’ special teams history but also to become one of the most feared returners in the SEC.
