Approximately 24 hours ago, news broke out that former 2022 1st round projected pick, Spencer Rattler, announced that he was transferring to the University of South Carolina after a botched stint with the Oklahoma Sooners. Earlier in the season, Rattler had maintained his status as a top 5 pick in the 2022 NFL draft based on his stellar season as a sophomore in 2020. He showcased his arm that year, throwing for over 3000 yards and 28 TDs, averaging 9.6 yards per pass attempt according to ESPN stat lines. Many Oklahoma fans were hoping for a similar 2021 and were riding the coattails of optimism for Rattler. However, a handful of skeptics looked past the filler and saw rattler for who he truly was rather than what he could be. Many people focused on the fact that Rattler had seven interceptions and poor awareness during that season. These opinions were formed from games like Oklahoma vs Texas 2020 where Rattler was benched after turning the ball over numerous times during that game, forcing Oklahoma to go into 4 overtimes with Texas.
Unfortunately, Rattler did not learn from this experience and was benched permanently by former Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley, for rising star Quarterback Caleb Williams coincidentally against Texas in 2021. The feeling of defeat was setting in for Oklahoma fans and Rattler was considering his escape plan. Fortunately, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley had the same thought process.
In late November, it was announced that Lincoln Riley was heading over to California to coach the trojans. This decision weighed heavily on Riley’s mind. He went on record saying that, “This was a personal decision solely based on my willingness to go take on a new challenge, and I felt like it was the right opportunity for me and my family to do that“. Riley’s departure from Oklahoma left people confused and bitter. People took to social media saying that “Lincoln Riley is scared of the SEC” or he “did it for the money”. This choice was not only upsetting to many college football fans but detrimental to Oklahoma, as they began to lose their 2023 recruiting class consisting of 4 and 5-star commits. Stars like Luke Hasz, a 4-star TE coming out of high school, announced their decommitment to Twitter following Riley’s departure.
While all of this news was going on, Rattler took this opportunity to announce that he was entering the transfer portal. Many people were not shocked by this decision due to the fact that Rattler was now a backup for the Sooners. Every college football fan was eager to see Rattler’s next move. Surprisingly, Rattler kept a low profile until yesterday evening. To everyone’s shock, it was announced that Spencer Rattler transferred to the University of South Carolina. One person jokingly replied under ESPN’s post of Rattler’s announcement, ” did he mix up his USCs?”, referring to the rumor that Rattler was joining Lincoln Riley at the University of Southern California.
As of right now, we don’t know what Rattler will do in South Carolina. He is inheriting a team that is 6-6 on the season and 3-5 within the conference. South Carolina is known for churning out defensive prospects in the NFL draft such as Ernest jones (Linebacker for the Rams), and Jadeveon Clowney (current Defensive end for the Clevland Browns) but not top caliber QBs. However, I believe that Rattler will get it done in the Carolinas. I am one of the few believers in Spencer Rattler along with South Carolina’s fanbase. He has all the potential in the world and can light up defenses if placed in the right system. This adds a dynamic edge to South Carolina’s offense as they now have an absolute weapon under center. Time will tell if Spencer Rattler made the right decision. Currently, his draft stock and reputation are down due to his recent time at Oklahoma. Many people still think that he is a cocky player that can’t make reads and is too egotistical for the NFL. It’s hilarious because people are saying the same thing about Packers QB Arron Rodgers due to his attitude towards the owner. If Rattler can tune out the media and negative press, he will succeed as a gamecock. It is too early to count him out. He is not a bust. He just needs to focus.
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