Dabo Swinney Reflects on the Legacy of South Carolina Legend Steve Taneyhill
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney took a moment to honor a familiar face from across the rivalry line on Friday, remembering former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill, who passed away at the age of 52. And even though Swinney’s roots run deep in Clemson orange, his respect for Taneyhill-the player and the person-was clear.
“It really kind of just took my breath away a little bit,” Swinney said, visibly moved.
Taneyhill, a name etched into Gamecock lore, was more than just a quarterback. He was a symbol of swagger, confidence, and competitive fire during his time in Columbia from 1992 to 1995. He led South Carolina to its first bowl victory and still holds several program records, including most completions in a single game (39), most passing attempts in a game (58), and career marks for completions (753) and passing touchdowns (62).
He didn’t just play the position-he owned it.
Swinney’s first impression of Taneyhill came long before their coaching paths crossed. Back in December 1991, Swinney was a junior wide receiver at Alabama when Taneyhill visited Tuscaloosa as a high school recruit. The moment stuck with him.
“He had that long hair and all that swag,” Swinney recalled with a smile. “We all were in there going, ‘Oh, yeah. We ain’t getting him.’”
Taneyhill ultimately carved his path at South Carolina, and while his college days made him a household name in the Palmetto State, his impact didn’t stop there. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and made a significant mark on the high school football scene in South Carolina. He led Chesterfield High School to three straight state championships from 2007 to 2009, and also coached at Cambridge Academy and Union High School, where he spent four seasons from 2012 to 2015.
By the time he was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006, his legacy as one of the Gamecocks’ all-time greats was firmly established.
And when it came to the Palmetto Bowl-the storied rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina-Taneyhill held his own. He split his four starts against the Tigers, going 2-2 in one of college football’s most intense matchups.
Swinney, always one to respect the game and those who’ve shaped it, offered heartfelt condolences.
“Prayers with all the Taneyhill family, all the South Carolina people who loved him as a player, cause he’s one of the greats in this rivalry, for sure,” he said.
In a state where football is religion and rivalries run deep, Steve Taneyhill’s name still resonates-not just for what he did on the field, but for how he did it. With fire, flair, and a fearless attitude that made him unforgettable.