South Carolina’s tough night against Vanderbilt came with an unexpected twist in the stands. The Gamecocks’ 31-7 loss in Columbia was witnessed — and quietly celebrated — by none other than their former head coach, Will Muschamp.
Muschamp, who led South Carolina from 2016 to 2020, was spotted at Williams-Brice Stadium cheering on the Commodores. His presence added another sting for the home crowd still reeling from the defeat.
During his tenure in Columbia, Muschamp compiled a 28-30 record before being dismissed midway through the 2020 season after a 2-5 start. The university paid him $13 million as part of his buyout. Now, five years later, he returned to the capital city not as a coach, but as a supporter of the opposing sideline.
Why was Muschamp there? His son, Whit Muschamp, is a sophomore quarterback at Vanderbilt. A former three-star recruit, Whit joined the Commodores in December 2023 after leading his high school team to a state championship the year before. He chose Vandy over offers from Missouri, Louisville, Virginia, and Ole Miss.
Though Whit didn’t see playing time as a freshman and has yet to hit the field this season with Diego Pavia running the offense, he was part of the sideline celebrations during the Commodores’ upset win. His parents were there with him every step of the way.
Will Muschamp made it clear how much he enjoyed the moment, posting on social media afterward:
“Dawgs and Dores!!” he wrote, celebrating his son’s team’s triumph.
For South Carolina, the loss ended a dominant 16-game winning streak over Vanderbilt. The Commodores seized control early and never let go, shutting out the Gamecocks in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Muschamps had reason to smile. Supporting their son’s program — and watching it take down Will’s old team in convincing fashion — made for a memorable night in Columbia.
