The South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to improve to 3-0 this week, taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at home. There are plenty of questions surrounding South Carolina in this one, especially on special teams with the kicking situation.
During the Gamecocks' 45-9 victory over Kent State, South Carolina kicker Max Kelley finished 1-for-2 on field goal attempts. He missed on a 45-yard attempt early in the first quarter, one a kick that would have given his team a 3-0 lead.
He did rebound and made a 33-yarder on South Carolina's next offensive possession. But several Gamecocks fans were wondering why South Carolina has not played transfer kicker Ethan Sanchez just yet.
Head coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks announced they had signed the former Houston kicker earlier this month. In speaking with reporters, Beamer said that the team is still trying to get "some clarity" on things with regards to Sanchez's eligibility with the team.
Shane Beamer says transfer kicker Ethan Sanchez is currently not able to play. They're trying to get clarity on some things.
— Jack Veltri (@Jacktveltri) September 15, 2026
Sanchez signed with the Gamecocks as one of several players that have been granted an additional year of eligibility. Sanchez was one of several players named in lawsuits filed on behalf of players seeking a fifth season of eligibility. The lawsuits stemmed from the NCAA's eligibility rule changes that gives players five years instead of four.
South Carolina also played kicker Malik Orson on Saturday against Towson, putting him on the Gamecocks' extra-point attempts. He was a perfect three-for-three, which was also Kelley's mark in XPs. After the game, Coach Beamer told reporters he didn't play Sanchez as a coach's decision. is also While
"I made the decision not to play Ethan tonight," Beamer said via Gamecocks247. "That was purely my decision. Hopeful that he'll be able to roll as we move forward. I see Max and Malik. Ethan has made them better in practice since Ethan got here, and we've got to continue to take steps in our kicking game."
Sanchez had a successful college career at both Houston last season and three seasons at Old Dominion. He did attend rookie minicamp with the San Francisco 49ers in April. But since he did not make an NFL roster, he has not signed with a professional team.
In the wake of the SEC threatening to expel LSU for playing professional players a couple weeks ago, South Carolina likely wants to be sure his eligibility is crystal clear before he suits up.
The former Cougar was a Lou Groza finalist last season, and made 21 of his 26 field goals last season, including all of his extra-point attempts. Having a clutch kicker like Sanchez will help the Gamecocks down the line this season. But for now, Coach Beamer is taking a cautious approach.
South Carolina will likely stick with Kelley and possibly Orson for the kicking duties against Mississippi State. The Gamecocks will kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET, and the game will air live on SEC Network.
South Carolina OC Kendal Briles has played MSU's Jeff Lebby, his brother-in-law, 3 times before
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