Chimere Dike, a Florida wide receiver and punt returner, has been named to the Jet Award Foundation’s Mid-Season Watchlist, the organization announced Tuesday. The 14th Annual Jet Award will be given to college football’s greatest outstanding return specialist.
Dike has returned eight punts for 157 yards in Florida’s first six games. His 19.6-yard return average is second in the country and tops in the SEC among players who have attempted multiple punt returns.
On October 12, against No. 8 Tennessee, Dike had back-to-back punt returns of 27 and 30 yards, which helped set up a game-tying 27-yard touchdown throw with 34 seconds left that he caught himself. His 35-yard return against Mississippi State tied his career high and sparked a two-play, 44-yard touchdown drive.
Dike was a frontrunner to take over punt return responsibilities this season owing to his experience at Wisconsin.
“I think if I can help any aspect of the team, I want to,” Dike stated on his job as a punt returner. “I did a lot of punt returning last year in college. I kind of accepted the starting job at Wisconsin because it’s something I’m familiar with.”
Dike has not only had a great influence on Florida’s special teams unit, but he has also caught a team-high 19 receptions for 353 yards and two scores, establishing himself as a trustworthy receiver in the offense.
The Gators have battled injuries at wide receiver all season, but the consistency of transfer receivers Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger has kept the team together.
Dike flew under the radar this offseason following a drop in production in his last year at Wisconsin, but no one inside the building is surprised by Dike’s output in 2024. One insider told Gator Country that Dike was Florida’s most reliable receiver during spring and fall camp, and that his connection to Graham Mertz was clear. Dike isn’t the team’s fastest player, but he ran a 4.46 40-yard sprint at Wisconsin and set his personal record four times at Florida this summer.
Dike is a smooth route runner with excellent body control, which aids in contested catches and punt returns.
Dike and the rest of Florida’s offense will have to rally around rookie quarterback DJ Lagway, which should be no problem for the 6’0, 195 receiver, who has already grabbed a handful 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 remarked about his offense with DJ Lagway. “Obviously, you know, my prayers are with Graham. That’s my buddy, and I hope he’ll be okay. But, you know, DJ is obviously a very competent player, and I know the boys trust him and his work ethic, so I don’t think it should be a problem if that’s what’s required.”
The Jet Award
The award, named for Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, will be presented during the Jet Award Gala on April 10, 2025. Former honorees include Christian McCaffrey, Tyler Lockett, Zachariah Branch, and Marcus Jones. The award recognizes athletes who display outstanding skill and impact in the return game, as well as their accomplishments, which motivate the next generation of football players to strive for excellence in all areas of the game.
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