Ex-South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia, 38, Diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

Former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia announced Wednesday that he has Stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Garcia, 38, shared the news in a Facebook post. "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," he wrote, while including a link to a GoFundMe page. "If there’s one lesson to be learned, get checked and don’t be afraid to visit the doctors’ office when you don’t feel 100%. We got this and I appreciate all yall!"

The fundraiser has collected more than $116,000. The GoFundMe page states Garcia is pursuing the most aggressive treatment for the disease.

"Stephen is beginning chemotherapy today," the page says. "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."

Rectal cancer deaths are increasing at a significantly faster rate than colon cancer deaths among younger Americans, researchers warn in a study presented this year. Mortality rates for rectal cancer are growing two to three times faster than those for colon cancer among adults aged 20 to 44, according to a study set for presentation at Digestive Disease Week 2026 in Chicago. The data indicate that for older millennials, ages 35 to 44, rectal cancer mortality is projected to rise through 2035.

Garcia played all four years of his college career at South Carolina from 2008 to 2011. He recorded 7,597 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes in 40 games.