South Carolina football faces a drastic loss as former QB Steve Taneyhill passes away at the age of 52. Known for his trademark mullet and swagger, he was one of the all-time leading passers in school history. He also led the team to its first-ever bowl win, and the Gamecocks’ faithful are making sure to remind everyone of his impact through their tribute messages.

Reports say Taneyhill passed away after a prolonged illness, with people close to the program noting that he had been battling health issues for quite some time. Those who knew him or grew up hearing stories about his time on the field quickly took to social media to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer.

“RIP Steve Taneyhill,” USC-affiliated Walker Gaskins wrote on X. “A Gamecock legend who defied expectations and led South Carolina to so many unforgettable moments. He will be remembered for many things, such as leading the Gamecocks to their 1st bowl win. He was 52. Rest in peace, and thank you for everything.”

Over the course of his career, Taneyhill piled up 8,380 yards of total offense and threw 62 touchdown passes, leaving a lasting mark on South Carolina football. He burst onto the scene in 1992, earning Sports Illustrated’s Freshman of the Year honors. Taneyhill put the perfect finishing touch on his college career in the 1995 Carquest Bowl. He led the Gamecocks to a 24–21 win over West Virginia. It became the first bowl victory in program history. In that game, Taneyhill completed 26 of 36 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.

Even today, Taneyhill remains South Carolina’s all-time leader in touchdown passes and completions. After his playing days, Taneyhill continued to shape the game as a high school coach in South Carolina. He led Chesterfield High School to the state championship game in 2006 before breaking through with back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008, both against Carvers Bay. In 2009, he capped off the run with a dominant 36–6 win over Lamar High School to secure a third straight state championship.

Taneyhill later coached at Cambridge Academy in Greenwood. He guided the school’s 8-man football team to consecutive state titles and a runner-up finish in his third season. His impact on the game extended far beyond the field, as his business skills at Columbia were commendable. He also made his mark off the field. In 2016, he bought the bar Group Therapy in Columbia’s Five Points district and renamed it “Steve Taneyhill’s Group Therapy.” He later became an owner of Prime Restaurant and Whiskey Lounge in Spartanburg, which opened in 2022.

Fans pour their tributes on Steve Taneyhill’s demise

Steve Taneyhill’s passing came as quite a shock to the entire CFB community. That’s why the fans took no time in rallying around him. “Gamecock Football wasn’t cool when they entered the SEC. But Steve Taneyhill made it ok to feel like they belonged. He was a great, honest guy. Thank you, Steve. Thanks so much, man,” a fan said. From 1992 to 1995, Taneyhill set numerous school records. As a freshman in 1992, he famously led the Gamecocks to an upset win over arch-rival Clemson, a game made legendary by his gesture of “signing” the Tiger Paw logo at midfield.

“He was one of those charismatic change agents who has blessed Carolina Football through the years with a renewed hope, fight, and confidence,” sports personality JC Shurburtt said. More than the numbers, though, he delivered landmark wins that rewrote what Gamecock football thought was possible: the first SEC-era victories over Tennessee, Georgia, and LSU, and the program’s first-ever bowl win in the 1994 Carquest Bowl over West Virginia.

“The last tweet sent by legend Steve Taneyhill… He was always a true Gamecock! Thank you, Steve, for everything you did for the Gamecock program and the city of Columbia. RIP legend,” another fan said. Taneyhill left South Carolina behind once the records were set. After a brief pro stint, he planted roots in the state, winning multiple high school state championships at Cambridge Academy and three straight Class A titles at Chesterfield. He even hung his cleats to be a local businessman in Columbia and the Upstate.

“Hearing Steve Taneyhill passed away last night. He had been suffering from cancer. RIP to one of the greatest Gamecocks ever,” another fan chimed in. However, the details about his prolonged illness raise a lot of questions about what led to his demise. But sadly, the details about his demise are still under wraps. But it’s needless to say that the Gamecocks lost a legend today.

RIP Steve Taneyhill! We will miss you!