Former University of South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill died Monday morning at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer. He was living in Spartanburg at the time of his death.
Taneyhill was one of the most recognizable and charismatic players in Gamecock football history, starring at quarterback from 1992 to 1995. Known for his mullet haircut and fiery competitiveness, he rewrote the school’s passing records during his career, including setting the then-school mark for touchdown passes.
He is perhaps best remembered for leading South Carolina to its first-ever bowl victory, a win over West Virginia in the 1995 CarQuest Bowl, a landmark moment in the program’s history. That season capped a run of signature victories under Taneyhill’s leadership.
Among those memorable wins was a dramatic last-second touchdown pass to defeat Georgia in Athens, a play immortalized by legendary Bulldogs broadcaster Larry Munson. Taneyhill also quarterbacked South Carolina to a victory over Danny Ford’s Clemson Tigers at Death Valley and led the Gamecocks past Tennessee at Williams-Brice Stadium, further cementing his legacy with the program.
After his playing days at USC, Taneyhill remained connected to football as a high school coach in Chesterfield. He later transitioned into business, becoming a familiar figure in Columbia’s Five Points district. Tanneyhill owned Group Therapy, a popular college hangout, as well as CB-18, another longtime establishment in the area.
Taneyhill’s impact on South Carolina football extended beyond statistics and wins, as he played a key role in elevating the program during the 1990s and remains a beloved figure among Gamecock fans.
Photo by South Carolina Football