Ethan Sanchez Remained Ineligible for South Carolina
South Carolina kicker Ethan Sanchez remains sidelined as the school continues to review his eligibility status.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football
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South Carolina kicker Ethan Sanchez remains ineligible to compete for the team this season. Despite practicing with the squad, the former Lou Groza Award semifinalist has been unable to secure playing time.
Why it matters
The situation impacts the team's depth and special teams strategy as coaches rely on alternate kickers for the remainder of the season. Compliance staff continue to review the player's status following legal developments in other jurisdictions.
Sanchez finished his 2025 campaign with an 80.8 percent field goal accuracy, hitting 21 of 26 attempts with a long of 52 yards. Current starter Malik Orsan has converted 7 of 8 field goal attempts this season.
The players
Ethan Sanchez
He is a placekicker who previously played for Old Dominion and Houston and earned Lou Groza Award semifinalist honors in 2025.
Malik Orsan
He is the current starting kicker for South Carolina.
Shane Beamer
He serves as the head coach for the South Carolina football team.
The details
Although Ethan Sanchez transferred to the program before the 2026 season, he has been restricted from game play. South Carolina compliance staff are currently reviewing his eligibility after a Dallas judge issued a temporary restraining order on August 27 for 41 other players.
Timeline
August 27, 2026: A Dallas judge issued a restraining order for 41 players.
October 6, 2026: Shane Beamer provided the latest update on eligibility status.
Season Trajectory
The continued absence of Sanchez forces the team to rely on current personnel for the duration of the season, altering the projected special teams rotation. This uncertainty limits coaching staff options as the program navigates complex eligibility requirements following recent judicial interventions.
Malik Orsan remains the primary point scorer for the team, maintaining a 7-for-8 field goal record this season. Fantasy players and fans should expect no changes to the kicking depth chart until the compliance review concludes.
The takeaway
The uncertainty regarding player eligibility underscores the complex legal environment surrounding athlete transfers this season. Coaches and staff must remain adaptable as they manage roster depth amidst ongoing judicial and compliance reviews.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing season and roster updates, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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Do prolonged eligibility disputes for transfer athletes negatively affect the performance of college football teams?
