South Carolina defensive back Vicari Swain has been noticeably absent from the team throughout the offseason. His "academic issues" have kept him from the squad, but head coach Shane Beamer provided a clear update: He will be back.
Earlier this week, Beamer confirmed that the redshirt freshman is set to rejoin the program at the beginning of the summer semester, which will start on May 27.
This is welcoming news for Gamecock nation, as Swain is expected to play a major role in the defensive plays for the 2025 season. Last year, Swain appeared in all 13 games, racking up 314 snaps, the sixth most among Gamecock defensive backs. Swain also recorded 13 tackles, a strip sack against Kentucky, and a pass breakup. Those kinds of plays show his potential in becoming a key piece of the secondary for the Gamecocks.
With O'Donnell Fortune and Nick Emmanwori off to the pros, the South Carolina defensive backfield will look different entering the 2025 season. Returning contributors Jalon Kilgore, DQ Smith, and Judge Collier are all expected to take on larger roles, with Kilgore projected to be one of the top defensive backs in the country.
Assuming that Swain can remain on track academically, he should be able to rejoin the core group quickly. Other defenders such as Brandon Cisse, Myles Norwood, and Jalewis Solomon will also be pushing for some playing time.
Swain's return will come at a crucial time, with the season opener approximately three months away. South Carolina will look to build on its 9-4 season finish in 2024, with LaNorris Sellers poised to have a breakout season at QB.
The 2025 campaign kicks off on August 31, when South Carolina faces off against Virginia Tech in the season opener at the Merecedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Conference play will start two weeks later with a home matchup against Vanderbilt.