Even before Lincoln Riley left the Oklahoma Sooners to become the head coach of the USC Trojans, it was assumed that quarterback Spencer Rattler would enter the transfer portal at the end of the season. That’s exactly what happened on Monday as Rattler made the announcement on his Twitterfeed.
“Sooner Nation, thank you for allowing me to be a student-athlete at this prestigious institution,” Rattler wrote. “Thank you to every teammate and coach these last three seasons. We won several games together and made memories that I will cherish forever. Special thanks to my family and friends for your support. Thank God for the game of football. It’s the ultimate team sport and brings people and communities together unlike anything else. At this time, I would like to announce that I have decided to enter the transfer portal to continue my academic and athletic career. Thank you again, Oklahoma. I will miss you.”
Formerly the starter and a Heisman hopeful, Rattler fell out of favor with the coaching staff and Sooner fans. Caleb Williams took over after six games and started the next six games for Oklahoma.
In his three seasons with the Sooners, Rattler threw for 4,595 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He entered the 2021 season as a favorite for the Heisman Trophy but things fell apart in a hurry despite OU finishing the regular season 10-2.
Rattler’s decision means that college football media members and fans can start wondering where he’ll end up, presumably to compete for the starting job, and everyone has an opinion or rumor.
As far as where Rattler will end up, the rumored favorites appear to be Arizona, Arizona State, LSU, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, and Texas A&M. Rattler is from Arizona, hence the inclusion of both Pac-12 schools. And there would be some poetry to Rattler joining Riley in the Pac-12 but lining up against him instead of playing for him.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.