Former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill has passed away after a long battle with illness. He was 52.
Taneyhill starred for the Gamecocks from 1992 to 1995 under head coaches Sparky Woods and Brad Scott, becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated players in program history. His name — and personality — remained synonymous with South Carolina football long after his playing days ended.
After his career in garnet and black, Taneyhill spent a brief period playing professionally before transitioning into coaching. He later led two South Carolina high school programs, Chesterfield and Cambridge Academy, to state championships. Outside of football, Taneyhill was also a successful businessman, holding ownership stakes in multiple ventures across Columbia and the Upstate.
On the field, Taneyhill’s impact on the program is etched permanently into the record books. He still holds South Carolina records for career completions (753), career touchdown passes (62), and single-season touchdown passes (29). He ranks second in school history in career passing yards with 8,782.
Of the seven 400-yard passing games in Gamecock history, Taneyhill accounted for three. He also remains the only South Carolina quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a game more than once.
Perhaps most notably, Taneyhill led South Carolina to its first-ever bowl victory, a 24-21 win over West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl. When he took his final snap as a Gamecock, he was tied for the program’s all-time record for quarterback wins with 20.
Taneyhill played a central role in guiding South Carolina through its early years in the SEC, helping turn daunting challenges into defining moments. He quarterbacked the Gamecocks to their first win over Tennessee in nearly 90 years in 1992, a memorable victory over Georgia in 1993, and the program’s first win against LSU in more than six decades in 1994. He also went undefeated against Clemson at Memorial Stadium, winning both of his road starts in the rivalry.
One of the most enduring chapters of Taneyhill’s legacy came during his true freshman season in 1992. After South Carolina started the year 0-5, Taneyhill took over as the starting quarterback midway through the season and sparked a dramatic turnaround. The Gamecocks won five of their final six games, narrowly missing bowl eligibility. Despite starting only six games, Taneyhill earned Freshman All-American honors.
That season culminated in a legendary road win over No. 18 Clemson. Taneyhill delivered the victory with his trademark swagger, creating moments that still live in rivalry lore. After a long run by Brandon Bennett, he stopped at midfield and mimed signing the Tiger paw logo. Later, after throwing the game-clinching touchdown to Asim Penny, he pretended to admire a towering home run swing. As objects rained down from the stands, Taneyhill raised his arms in triumph in front of the Clemson student section — an image that became one of the most iconic photographs in South Carolina football history.
His influence extended beyond statistics and wins. Taneyhill inspired fake mullets in the stands, tailgate songs, countless tributes to his famous pose, and — most importantly — a lasting belief in resilience and confidence that continues to define Gamecock football.
Steve Taneyhill passed away at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be woven into the fabric of South Carolina football.
