South Carolina is following in LSU’s footsteps regarding adding former NFL players to its roster. Kind of.

Just three days before the Gamecocks start the 2026 season, Shane Beamer has added fifth-year kicker Ethan Sanchez to the roster. Sanchez isn’t expected to be eligible for the season opener due to having to go through the NCAA’s five-day acclimation process.

While Sanchez was invited to a rookie minicamp with the San Francisco 49ers, he did not officially sign with the team, making him eligible for a fifth year under a recent court ruling.

Sanchez was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist last season for Houston after making 21 of his 26 field-goal attempts and hitting three game-winning field goals, including walk-off winners against Oregon State and Arizona.

Sophomore Max Kelley, Texas Tech transfer Upton Bellenfant and Malik Orsan were the three kickers competing for the job.