Former USC QB Tanner Bailey announces that he’s giving up football
Former South Carolina quarterback Tanner Bailey is retiring from football, he announced Wednesday via Instagram.
“Although some may not understand, or even agree, I have decided to hang up the cleats once and for all,” Bailey wrote.
“I will always be thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve been given, from playing at Gordo High School, to the University of South Carolina, to having the chance to play at my dream school at Auburn University. I cannot express how much this game has shaped me as a person.”
Bailey came to South Carolina as a four-star recruit. He was on the field in the Gamecocks win over the Furman Paladins but didn’t record any stats.
With Bailey’s and redshirt sophomore Colten Gauthier’s departures, USC has just two returning scholarship quarterbacks on its roster: Luke Doty (who played wide receiver in 2023) and promising freshman LaNorris Sellers. Starter Spencer Rattler declared for the NFL Draft, as did sixth-year senior Dakereon Joyner — who was recruited as a quarterback but also played on special teams and at wide receiver and running back.
South Carolina signed four-star prospect Dante Reno this cycle, but the Gamecocks could also bring in a more experienced signal caller via the transfer portal.
“Thank you, football, for the greatest times and memories a kid can ask for,” Bailey posted.
SOUTH CAROLINA PORTAL LOSSES
QB Tanner Bailey (retired)
QB Colten Gauthier (Gardner-Webb)
RB Mario Anderson (Memphis)
OL JonDarius Morgan (UAB)
OL Grayson Mains (Temple)
OL Jaylen Nichols
WR Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. (Ole Miss)
WR O’Mega Blake (East Carolina)
WR Landon Samson
WR Zavier Short (Appalachian State)
WR Kylic Horton
TE Kamron Sandlin
DL Xzavier McLeod (Georgia)
DL Felix Hixon (Middle Tennessee)
DL D’Andre Martin (Charlotte)
DL Donovan Westmoreland (Kennesaw State)
LB Grayson “Pup” Howard (Florida)
LB Stone Blanton (Mississippi State)
DB Kajuan Banks (South Florida)
DB Isaiah Norris
K Mitch Jeter (Notre Dame)
