DULUTH, Ga. (Aug. 27, 2026) — The Georgia Swarm announced today that the club has re-signed veteran forwards Bryan Cole, Shayne Jackson and Lyle Thompson, along with rising star Jacob Hickey, as the team retains the majority of its roster from the 2025-26 season.
The moves keep the core of the team that advanced to the National Lacrosse League semifinals last season intact as the Swarm look to build on their postseason run. Thompson has signed a two-year contract, while Hickey has signed a one-year contract.
Georgia’s 2025-26 season ended in the NLL semifinals, where the Swarm fell to the Halifax Thunderbirds in a decisive Game 3 after forcing the best-of-three series to its final matchup. It was the franchise’s first trip to the league’s final four since winning the 2017 NLL Championship, and came in a season in which Georgia also fielded one of the league’s top defenses.
“Last season these three offensive players had a steady year,” said Georgia Swarm Head Coach Ed Comeau. “We’re excited to bring this group back together and keep building on what we started.”
JACOB HICKEY
Hickey returns to the Swarm on a one-year contract after establishing himself as a key piece of the team defense and was names the Unsung Hero of the NLL during his first year and a half in the league.
“Jacob showed that he is a top-level player in this league in his first year and a half,” Comeau said. “We are excited to have him as part of the Swarm for the next few years and are excited to see his progression.”
LYLE THOMPSON
Thompson, who has been with the Swarm since the franchise’s arrival in Georgia, returns on a two-year contract and will continue to anchor the team’s offense.
“Lyle is an elite player in this league, and we are excited to re-sign him to help lead our offense into the 2027 season,” Comeau said. “He has been with us in Georgia since day one and is not only a fan favorite but a dynamic player who creates many ‘did you see that?’ moments.”
BRYAN COLE
Cole returns as one of the league’s most versatile players, bringing experience on both ends of the floor and on special teams.
“Bryan Cole is one of only a handful of players in the league who have the versatility to play effectively on both ends of the floor and on special teams,” Comeau said. “His leadership is critical for the continued growth of our young players and our team.”
SHAYNE JACKSON
Jackson will return for the 2026-27 season, continuing to provide veteran leadership and consistency to the Swarm offense.
“Shayne has been one of the most consistent offensive players in our league over several years,” Comeau said. “His passion, leadership and commitment to helping the Swarm be successful is very important to our team.” 
With Cole, Jackson and Thompson back alongside Hickey, the Swarm enter the 2026-27 season with the majority of the roster that helped the club reach the NLL semifinals last season. The continuity gives Georgia an opportunity to build on the chemistry and success established throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Georgia opens training camp this fall ahead of the regular-season opener at Gas South Arena in Duluth.
