Spencer Rattler updates future at South Carolina after accepting Senior Bowl invite

Saturday against Clemson could be the final college football game for South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler. Or perhaps not.

Speaking with reporters ahead of the regular season finale, Rattler — who has a Reese’s Senior Bowl invite in hand — was non-committal when asked about his football future. He emphasized his focus is primarily on beating Clemson to get South Carolina bowl eligible.

“You know, I’m focused on this game, obviously, on Saturday. Gotta take care of that first. Could be my last time out there. You never know, I got another year of eligibility as well,” Rattler said playfully. “But no, I’m ready to just play out there with my team, finish out strong and just have a good time.”

2023 has arguably been Rattler’s best season as a college quarterback — his 2020 campaign at Oklahoma was similar successful. He’s completed 70.6% of passes for more than 3000 yards this season through 11 games, throwing 19 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

And Rattler has largely done it behind a patchwork offensive line. Given the injury situation and other factors, South Carolina has rolled into the finale at 5-6 and need a win to get bowl eligible

But it’s not a guarantee Rattler would play in a bowl, or any game, after the season finale.

The Gamecocks are dealing with an array of injuries going into the weekend

Heading into the latest edition of the Palmetto Bowl this weekend, South Carolina could be in better health, with a number of players on the edge of potentially playing. Head coach Shane Beamer dished on where a number of players stand going into the rivalry matchup with Clemson.

Only one player, as of early in the week, is unlikely to play, Beamer said: Wideout JuJu McDowell. Beyond him, a bevy of players are questionable.

“I would say, obviously JuJu is out and everyone else is questionable. If they weren’t going to play, I would let you know. DK [Dakereon Joyner] is — has assured us he’s playing. Knowing him I don’t doubt him. He was out there at practice in a limited role today. Same thing with Trai Jones, Cason Henry, Jaxon Hughes. I wouldn’t say they’re probable, but not ready to sit here and say they’re out either. We’ll see how they progress the rest of the week,” Beamer said.

Along with the players Beamer mentioned, wideout Antwane ‘Juice’ Wells is also still banged up. Though he started practicing this week, he’s not likely to play in the regular season finale.