COLUMBIA — Gamecock great Stephen Garcia announced on May 6 that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
The former quarterback, an unforgettable presence during his time at South Carolina, confirmed the news with a Facebook post. A GoFundMe has been set up to help his fight.
“Wasn’t overly excited to share this news but it is what it is. We have a great team of doctors and staff that’s confident we can beat this! It’s the only option,” Garcia wrote in his Facebook message. “If there’s one lesson to be learned, get checked and don’t be afraid to visit the doctor’s office when you don’t feel 100%. The stuff we consume has been altered significantly over the years and we’ve been hearing more and more people in this age range are getting diagnosed with these things.
“We got this and I appreciate all y’all!”
Garcia’s wife, Masha, posted the GoFundMe and revealed some details.
“Following a few days in the ER and a battery of tests — including MRIs, CT scans, and a difficult hospital stay — Stephen was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Stephen is beginning chemotherapy today,” she said.
“His medical team is starting him on FOLFIRINOX, which confirms they are taking the most aggressive treatment path available to fight this. Following these initial rounds, he will be meeting with specialized liver and colon surgeons to determine the next steps in his treatment plan. Stephen’s entire focus is now dedicated to one thing: Fighting this disease with everything he has.”
She followed by saying Garcia would appreciate any show of support, prayers or remembrances from his legion of fans, and a plea for anyone not feeling well to get checked out.
Garcia has three children, including his oldest, Memphys, who has signed to play quarterback at New Mexico Military Institute next season. His youngest is 3 years old.
Known as much for his hell-raising off the field as his play on it, Garcia may not have been the most prolific or highly regarded Gamecock quarterback, but he may be the most memorable. From the flowing long hair he had upon his commitment to the swagger he displayed directing the offense to the numerous spots of trouble he found his way into, there was never a quiet day when Garcia was around.
Playing under coach Steve Spurrier from 2008-11, Garcia threw for the third-most passing yards in school history (7,597) and 47 touchdowns, third-most when he left and still fifth. He was the QB for the Gamecocks’ only SEC East championship team (2010) and his three biggest wins will always be fondly remembered.
Garcia quarterbacked USC to two wins over Clemson (2009, 2010) and also in 2010, played the game of his life. The Gamecocks whipped No. 1 Alabama 35-21 in Williams-Brice Stadium, earning Garcia the Walter Camp National Player of the Week Award. It remains the only time USC has beaten a No. 1 team.
His heroics were often overshadowed by his off-the-field exploits. He was suspended five separate times during his career and was dismissed midway through the 2011 season, a saga that still draws passionate arguments.
He has been coaching and developing quarterbacks in his hometown of Lutz, Fla., for the past several years.
It’s been a rough few months for Gamecock greats. Another legendary quarterback, Steve Taneyhill, died in December after fighting insulinoma for four years. Connor Shaw, the winningest QB USC has ever had and the man who succeeded Garcia, recovered from a sudden cardiac arrest in September 2025 after off-duty emergency personnel administered CPR to him until medics could arrive.
