The South Carolina Gamecocks have had no shortage of notable, and some notorious, quarterbacks over the years, but when it comes to naming the greatest of all time, the fanbase is equally opinionated yet somehow seem to come together to name a familiar few, each QB with a unique place in Gamecock lore. Recently, 1801 Media took to the social media world and asked Gamecock Nation one simple question: “Who is the Greatest Gamecock QB of all time?” From elite efficiency to unforgettable moments at center, here is a breakdown of the South Carolina QBs that Gamecock Nation and analysts alike continue to elevate in the ongoing GOAT debate.
Connor Shaw - The Undisputed GOAT
When Gamecock fans talk about greatness, Connor Shaw is usually one of the first name mentioned. With a 27-5 record, and undefeated 17-0 home streak, and a career built on clutch performances, Shaw is the winningest quarterback in school history.
Career Stats:
- 6,074 passing yards
- 56 passing TDs
- 1,683 rushing yards
- 17 rushing TDs
One of his most iconic moments came on October 26, 2013. In a game against Missouri, Shaw was unable to start because of illness and a sprained left knee but came off the bench to lead the Gamecocks from a 17-point deficit to defeat the No. 5 Tigers 27–24 in double overtime.
Another memorable moment in the Shaw era was the 2014 Capital One Bowl, where he passed, rushed, and even caught a touchdown in a dominant win over Wisconsin. He also never lost to Clemson and was the leader during the program's peak under head coach Steve Spurrier.
Stephen Garcia - The Legend
Garcia will always remain a fan favorite, not just for his play but for his fire. Known for his emotional leadership (and a bit of troublemaking), Garcia graced Williams-Brice Stadium with grit. He led South Carolina to its only SEC Championship game appearance. Garcia also engineered one of the program's most iconic victories of all time: the 2010 upset over No. 1 Alabama. In that game, Garcia went 17-of-20 for 201 yards and three touchdowns, leading the charge as the Gamecocks shocked the nation.
Despite a turbulent career and some off-field issues, Garcia finished with impressive numbers and will be remembered as one of the most beloved quarterbacks of the SEC era.
Career Stats:
- 7,597 passing yards
- 47 passing TDs
- 777 rushing yards
- 15 rushing TDs
- 20–14 record as starter
Steve Taneyhill and Todd Ellis - The Record-Setters
The iconic ponytail. The legendary signing the field. Steve Taneyhill delivered the swagger and the results in Gamecock football. Famously known for signing the Tiger Paw at Clemson in1992 and leading South Carolina to its first ever bowl win, Taneyhill threw for 8,782 yards and 61 touchdowns, placing him second in school history for both categories.
Todd Ellis, now the legendary voice of Gamecock football, held the career passing yardage record for years. He was the architect of South Carolina's air attack during the late 80's and is still ranked among the top passers in Gamecock history with nearly 10,000 yards.
LaNorris Sellers - The Future
The future of Gamecock football belongs in the hands of the young quarterback, LaNorris Sellers. The 2024 Freshman of the Year threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 674 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. And he's just getting started. College football analysts like Paul Finebaum have already suggested that Sellers could become the greatest Gamecock quarterback of all time if he continues on his current trajectory in 2025 and beyond.
In Conclusion
While Connor Shaw may be the safest pick when debating who is the greatest Gamecock QB of all time, but Stephen Garcia holds a unique place in the hearts of Gamecock Nation. Alongside legends like Taneyhill and Ellis keeping their legacy alive, and rising stars like LaNorris Sellers writing new chapters, the conversation around South Carolina's quarterbacks remains as lively as ever.