What’s next for Spencer Rattler?
Dubbed a pre-season All American, a future first round pick and a Heisman trophy candidate, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler now finds himself as the second string QB of the Sooners following a benching in the Red River Rivalry against Texas, precluded by a lackluster performance throughout the season. This isn’t the first time he’s been benched as a similar moment happened in the 2020 edition of the Red River Rivalry where Rattler was benched for Tanner Mordecai. Difference is Rattler came back to beat Texas and this year his replacement Caleb Williams has hit the ground running with Lincoln Riley’s offense and in the dust lies Rattler. Like Mordecai, it’s painfully clear Oklahoma is no longer a suitable home for Rattler. Mordecai transferred to SMU where he has thrived with the Mustangs and now Rattler will soon have to enter the transfer portal. Here’s some suggestions for where Rattler could go to revitalize his career.
Tennessee. For years the Vols borderlined on obscurity, constantly losing ground in the SEC and failing in their ability to replace National Championship winning coach Phillip Fulmer. Lane Kiffin, Derek Dooley, Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt have all tried and failed. However, new head coach Josh Heupel and his pass heavy spread offense has revitalized rocky top and with a broken roster, Heupel’s Vols are making noise once again. Starting quarterback Hendon Hooker looks to be headed to the NFL as he is a senior and backup Joe Milton continues to perform below his above average expectations. With the ability to start right away and throw the ball constantly along with the use of his legs, Rattler could be the missing piece to what takes the Vols back to the top of college football.
Ole Miss. Another SEC school with a similar situation to Tennessee, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss will need to replace future first round pick Matt Corral. With an offense similar to Oklahoma, the constant use of passing patterns and RPO plays, Rattler would be right at home in Oxford. Keep in mind, Kiffin has not only taken Matt Corral’s game to the next level but his work with Heisman trophy winners like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart along with NFL pros Matt Barkley and Jalen Hurts could be the key to unlocking Rattler’s obvious potential.
LSU. I know what you’re gonna say. Another SEC school? And yes. The only difference between Alabama and LSU is that Alabama recruits solid quarterbacks and LSU doesn’t. Names like Tua, Hurts, Jones and McCarron have all guided the talented Crimson Tide to various National Championships and eventually all made their way to the NFL. LSU has had similarly talented rosters without the quarterbacks to lift them over the top. Then comes in Joe Burrow from Ohio State and bingo! An undefeated season, a national championship and one of the most legendary teams of all time. Since 2010, LSU has had top players who have become NFL stars. Names like Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Leonard Fournette, Russell Gage, Jamal Adams, Tredavious White, Tyrann Mathieu, Jalen Mills, La’ei Collins, Trai Turner, Kwon Alexander, Danielle Hunter, Deion Jones, D.J. Chalk and so many more have electrified Death Valley but no Quarterback. Yes, Max Johnson has solidified his position as starter but I personally don’t believe he’s better than Rattler and with a loaded roster along with a new coaching staff coming in, Rattler could be the key for a repeat of 2019.
Texas. Could he really? Leave the Sooners for their arch rival? Well quite frankly the relationship between Rattler and Oklahoma ended when fans started chanting Caleb Williams name during the Sooners game against West Virginia. Texas could provide the fire for which Rattler can start his revenge tour. A talented receiving core outlined with speed, a top running back in Bijan Robinson if he stays for another year and offensive ingenuity from Coach Steve Sarkisian (who saw Mac Jones ascend from Tua’s backup to a first round pick) could see Rattler thrive. Quite frankly, Casey Thompson and Hudson Card haven’t done anything to solidify their place as the starter for the Longhorns and with Texas use of RPO and pistol formations, Rattler would fit in easily. If Rattler comes and Texas can sure up it’s offensive line, Rattler might find the last laugh across Red River.
Nevada. Perhaps a move out of the power five conferences is just what the doctor ordered. If Nevada’s head coach Jay Norvell and OC Matt Mumme (Son of Air Raid innovator Hal Mumme) stays for another season, Rattler would slide into a system which has allowed Carson Strong to both thrive and rip apart opposing defenses. Along with the offensive similarity to Oklahoma (he was co-OC under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma) and a strong recruiting base, Rattler could be the piece which could help Nevada finally claim an undisputed conference championship.
