This weekend’s showdown between Oklahoma and South Carolina carries extra meaning for Spencer Rattler, whose college journey uniquely connects both programs. Now a rookie quarterback with the New Orleans Saints, Rattler returns to Williams-Brice Stadium as a proud Gamecock alum, eager to watch two schools that shaped his story face off.
Though his NFL career has taken center stage, Rattler’s heart never left Columbia. He’s remained a vocal supporter of the Gamecocks, often cheering them on from afar. This matchup, however, feels deeply personal — a full-circle moment for the former five-star recruit who rose, fell, and rose again between Norman and Columbia.
Rattler’s story began at Oklahoma, where he entered as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects. But midway through the 2021 season, his trajectory took a sharp turn when Lincoln Riley benched him in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams. It was a stunning twist for the once-celebrated Sooner signal-caller — one Rattler later learned to see in a new light.
“We all have our own paths, and we’ve got to do our best with our own paths,” Rattler reflected this week. “The past is the past. We’re focused on the present and the future, but yeah, that definitely led me to South Carolina. It was a blessing in disguise that I got to play with the Gamecocks and develop there, get ready for the league.”
That benching proved to be the catalyst for Rattler’s transformation. When he transferred to South Carolina in 2022, he reunited with head coach Shane Beamer, who had once coached him at Oklahoma. Rattler quickly became the face of the Gamecock offense, revitalizing both his career and the program’s national image.
In his first season, Rattler threw for 3,026 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading South Carolina to back-to-back upsets over Tennessee and Clemson. His six-touchdown, 438-yard performance against Tennessee shattered school records and is still hailed as one of the most dominant quarterback outings in program history.
By 2023, Rattler had evolved into the team’s emotional and vocal leader. He set single-season school marks for completions (275) and completion percentage (68.9%) while adding 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air. Beamer praised him repeatedly for his “toughness and consistency.” Rattler ended his college career with 10,807 passing yards and 77 touchdowns, cementing his place among South Carolina’s all-time greats.
Beyond the numbers, Rattler found a home in Columbia.
“This place meant everything to me,” he said after his final game. “I wanted to be part of the change in this program. I put 110% into it every day.”
Even as a professional, his loyalty hasn’t faded. When the Gamecocks took down Oklahoma last season, Rattler proudly tweeted #GoCocks, a simple message that spoke volumes about where his heart still lies.
From five-star phenom to humbled transfer to beloved team captain, Spencer Rattler’s path is one of redemption and resilience — a rare journey that bridged two powerhouse programs.
So when Oklahoma and South Carolina meet this Saturday, it’s more than just a football game. For Rattler, it’s a homecoming, a reminder that sometimes the best chapters are written after the benching.
