Vicari Swain’s second touch of the season could have been a nightmare. The redshirt sophomore muffed a punt that he was fortunate to recover.a little later, he turned his miscue into the defining play of South Carolina’s 24–11 win.
Shane Beamer met Swain on the sideline with a direct message. “Coach Beamer was like this is going to happen. It’s your first time being out there. Make sure on the next one, just take it to the house,” Swain recalled. “I messed up the [last] time; I can’t mess up again. That’s my only shot.”
When the Hokies were forced to punt again, Beamer declined a penalty and chose to make them re-kick. The decision set the stage for Swain’s redemption. He fielded the ball cleanly, found a seam, and blazed 80 yards for a touchdown.
*caution: headphone users beware*
— Aflac Kickoff Game (@AflacKickoff) August 31, 2025
Vicari Swain with the 80 yard punt return and this place is ELECTRIC #AflacKickoff // @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/wWHbA9NdRP
“I was kind of surprised when he wanted to re-kick,” Swain admitted. “But when I seen they were backed up, the ball was going to be kicked deep, so I trusted my guys up front to make the blocks. Made it happen.
More: Shane Beamer says win over Virginia Tech was extra special
The return broke open a sluggish first half and gave the Gamecocks the jolt they needed. For Swain, it was more than just points on the board. “Somebody had to be a game changer, and it just happened to be me,” he said. “I embraced it and the ball came to me, and I scored.”
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