South Carolina football adds Ethan Sanchez, a former Houston kicker

South Carolina has bolstered its roster by signing kicker Ethan Sanchez from the Houston Cougars, according to On3's Pete Nakos. During the 2024 season, Sanchez hit 21 out of his 26 field goals and converted all 43 extra point attempts, earning him a semifinalist spot for the Lou Groza Award. The Dallas, Georgia native also received All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and made Phil Steele's All-Big 12 Fourth Team.

Three of his game-winning field goals occurred with under three minutes remaining, tying the Big 12 record. A court injunction in Texas made Sanchez eligible for the 2026 season, allowing him to enter the transfer portal despite being ineligible due to eligibility expiration after the 2025 season. After a rookie minicamp with the San Francisco 49ers where no contract was signed, Sanchez spent his first three years at Old Dominion, becoming their primary kicker in 2022.

He played in 33 games, making 35 of 46 field goals and 101 of 106 extra point attempts. South Carolina faces Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday, September 4, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. ET in Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.