GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida wide receiver and punt returner Chimere Dike has been named to the Jet Award Mid-Season Watchlist, the Jet Award Foundation announced Tuesday. The 14th Annual Jet Award will honor the most outstanding return specialist in college football.
Dike has returned 8 punts for 157 yards through Florida’s first six contests. His 19.6-yard return average ranks second in the nation and first in the SEC among players with multiple punt return attempts.
Against No. 8 Tennessee on October 12, Dike posted back-to-back punt returns of 27 and 30 yards, which helped set up a game-tying 27-yard TD pass with 34 seconds left – that Dike himself caught. His 35-yard return against Mississippi State tied his career long and set up a two-play, 44-yard TD drive.
Dike was a favorite to earn the punt return duties this season due to his experience at Wisconsin.
“I think if I can help any aspect of the team, I want to,” Dike said on his role as a punt returner. “Punt returning is something I’ve kind of done throughout college last year. I kind of took the starting job at Wisconsin, it’s something that I’m comfortable with.”
Not only has Dike positively impacted Florida’s special teams unit, but he’s also caught a team high 19 receptions for 353 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable receiver within Florida’s offense. The Gators have battled injuries at wide receiver throughout the season, but the steadiness of transfer receivers Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger have kept the unit together.
Dike flew under the radar this offseason after a decline in production in his final year at Wisconsin, but nobody inside the building is surprised at Dike’s production in 2024. One source told Gator Country that Dike was Florida’s most reliable receiver throughout spring and fall camp, also mentioning that his connection with Graham Mertz’s was apparent. Dike isn’t the fastest player on the team, but he clocked a 4.46 40-yard dash at Wisconsin before setting his personal record multiple times at Florida over the summer. Dike is a smooth route runner that displays elite body control, which helps with contested catches and punt returns.
Dike and the rest of Florida’s offense will need to rally around freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, which shouldn’t be a problem for the 6’0, 195 receiver as he’s already caught a number of deep passes from Lagway including a 27-yard game tying touchdown against No.8 Tennessee last weekend.
“I think we’re super prepared,” Dike said on the offense with DJ Lagway. “You know, obviously, you know, my prayers go to Graham. That’s my guy, and I’m hoping he’s going to be alright. But, you know, DJ is obviously a really capable player, and I know the guys believe in him and his work ethic, so I don’t think it should be an issue if that’s what’s needed.”
The Jet Award
The award, named in honor of Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, will culminate with the presentation at the Jet Award Gala on April 10th, 2025. Former recipients include Christian McCaffrey, Tyler Lockett, Zachariah Branch and Marcus Jones. The award honors athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in the return game and the achievements of these athletes that inspire the next generation of football players to strive for excellence in all aspects of the game.