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South Carolina defensive back Vicari Swain played in all 12 regular season games for the Gamecocks this past season, logging 301 snaps, 11 tackles, and a forced fumble. He’s slated to slide into a starting role in 2025 following the departure of senior cornerback O’Donnell Fortune.
Despite the expected uptick in playing time, transfer rumors spread on social media thanks to a recent post by an anonymous college football account. Swain refuted the claims with a simple response.
The defender posted a “cap” emoji below the now-deleted message that suggested a plan to hit the portal. He has no intention to leave Columbia.
“I’m not going anywhere. I don’t know what made him post, and that’s why I got him to delete it. I ain’t going nowhere.”
-Vicari Swain via The Big Spur
Swain was a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He chose the Gamecocks over offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. His departure would be a huge loss.
Swain should be in line for a starting position in the South Carolina secondary next season. He’ll get a chance to display his talents in the Citrus Bowl when the Gamecocks line up against Illinois.
Head coach Shane Beamer has typically taken a harsh stance on players that enter the portal. In most cases, a transfer results in immediate removal from the lineup, though there have been exceptions.
Vicari Swain is still practicing with the team as it gears up for a bowl game trip to Orlando. It doesn’t seem that the coaching staff has any doubts about the cornerback’s commitment to the program.
With that being said, nothing is off the table when it comes to the transfer portal season. Tampering runs rampant as coaches have the difficult task of keeping their rosters intact as outside suitors attempt to lure players away with NIL offers.
South Carolina has done its part to ensure its star players don’t bolt for greener pastures, securing major deals for players like Dylan Stewart and LaNorris Sellers this offseason. Should Swain continue on an upward trajectory, there’s no reason to believe the Gamecocks wouldn’t do their best to keep him happy.
For now, it seems Vicari Swain is staying in Columbia. He quieted the rumor mill while emphatically announcing his plans to play for the Gamecocks. That’s good news for Shane Beamer as he eyes the 2025 campaign.