Spencer Rattler on decision to transfer: Oklahoma was ‘a toxic situation’

Not many names across college football have been discussed more over the past few years than Spencer Rattler. Going into the Oklahoma Sooners program the top-ranked quarterback in the 2019 recruiting class, expectations were high with him and head coach Lincoln Riley.

However, after three seasons in Norman, Rattler decided to enter his name in the transfer portal and finish his career elsewhere. Rattler ended up heading further east, selecting the South Carolina Gamecocks and reuniting with head coach Shane Beamer.

In a recent conversation with Chris Low of ESPN, Rattler discussed what into his decision to transfer away from Oklahoma. The quarterback said the situation in Norman was “toxic” and anywhere but Norman would have been better for his career.

“A lot of guys don’t get another chance, to start over where they’re really wanted,” RattIer told ESPN. “I was just happy to get away from a toxic situation and get somewhere new. Anywhere was going to be better, and I found the right place.”

Rattler entered the 2020 and 2021 seasons as the starting quarterback after sitting behind Jalen Hurts in 2019. He got benched both seasons, specifically against the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Showdown. While another opportunity was given in 2020, freshman Caleb Williams ran away with the job this past year, finishing out the season.

Even if Riley did not leave Oklahoma, Rattler seemed his way out of the program, searching for another opportunity to be a starter. Some of the best schools came after the quarterback but South Carolina ended up being the destination.

Rattler went on to discuss Shane Beamer, saying the trust between him and the Gamecocks’ head coach was strong. Another key aspect of the transfer according to the quarterback — trying to build up the South Carolina program, saying it’s “on the rise.”

“I was blown away, and knowing Coach Beamer from when he was an assistant at Oklahoma and the way he rides with his players, I knew I could trust him,” Rattler said. “South Carolina had everything I was looking for, and I feel like it’s more impressive if you go to a school that’s coming up and do it there, with great teammates around you, than to go somewhere like Alabama and win games. You can just feel it here, this community, this city, these fans. We’re on the rise.”

Spencer Rattler has always been touted as a talented quarterback prospect and Beamer gives him a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents. He will be hoping to push South Carolina to a new step by competing in the SEC East this upcoming season.