The South Carolina Gamecocks have bolstered their roster by signing Ethan Sanchez, a talented kicker who previously played for the Houston Cougars, as reported by Pete Nakos of On3. This addition comes as the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming 2026 season, aiming to strengthen their special teams unit.
Last season, Sanchez showcased his skills by successfully converting 21 of 26 field goal attempts and making all 43 extra point tries. His impressive performance earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, which honors the nation’s top placekicker. Additionally, Sanchez received an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and was named to Phil Steele's All-Big 12 Fourth Team, highlighting his impact in college football.
One of Sanchez's standout achievements includes his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. He recorded three game-winning field goals against formidable opponents, including the Oregon State Beavers, Arizona Wildcats, and UCF Knights, all coming in the final three minutes of play. This feat tied the Big 12 record, underscoring his clutch kicking ability.
Although Sanchez had exhausted his eligibility after the 2025 season, a recent court ruling in Texas granted him a temporary injunction that allowed him to be eligible for the 2026 season and enter the transfer portal. Prior to joining South Carolina, he participated in a rookie minicamp with the San Francisco 49ers but did not sign a contract or play in any games.
Sanchez began his collegiate career at Old Dominion, where he quickly made a name for himself as their starting kicker during his true freshman year in 2022. Over three seasons with the Monarchs, he played in 33 games, successfully converting 35 of 46 field goal attempts and 101 of 106 extra points, demonstrating his reliability and consistency.
The Gamecocks are set to kick off their 2026 season against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network, marking a fresh start for South Carolina as they look to build on their previous performances.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Sanchez took to social media to share his excitement, stating, "God will always provide. Grateful for the opportunity!" This sentiment reflects his eagerness to contribute to the Gamecocks' success in the upcoming season.
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