Spencer Rattler: The Next Tate Martell or The Next Joe Burrow?

by Liam Willerup

   The number one QB in the class of 2019, a star in high school not only on the field but on the court with former Warriors guard Nico Mannion, Rattler has had the media's attention from a young age. Going into his college decision, Rattler decided to go to the quarterback whisperer in Lincoln Riley, who has sent Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts into the NFL as starting QBs. Playing backup to Jalen Hurts his redshirt season, Rattler was propelled into a starting role his redshirt freshman season. With high hopes, and Heisman talk, going into his first season, Rattler turned around a slow start into a campaign of over 3,000 passing yards, 34 total TDs, and 7 interceptions. After taking down a high powered Florida Gators team in the 2020 Cotton Bowl, an elite season from Rattler's sophomore campaign was expected. However, we haven't seen that from Rattler this year. Despite being undefeated this season, Oklahoma have had some thin margins of victory. Ignoring their dominating win versus FCS Western Carolina, every Oklahoma win has come by a touchdown or less margin. Their past game in the Red River battle versus Texas seemed to be the last straw for Rattler. Rattler was subbed out the game as Oklahoma was trailing, putting up a QBR of 11.4, a completion percentage of 53.3%, and just one rushing TD. Freshman five star QB Caleb Williams subbed in for the struggling Rattler to lead the Sooners to a victory. Leading up to this week's matchup versus TCU, Lincoln Riley has canceled media availability amidst the quarterback controversy in Oklahoma. However, some reporters have gone the distance to spy in on practice from nearby buildings to make the observation that Freshman Caleb Williams has been taking the first team reps for the Sooners. So with Rattler perhaps losing his starting role in Oklahoma, is the Rattler era over with in Oklahoma before it really even got started? Well, transfer talks have become a topic of conversation amongst the media and an interview from Rattler's dad may suggest that. So, what are some schools we could see Rattler take his talents to next season?

Arizona State Sun Devils

   Due to his ties in Arizona where he played high school ball, Arizona State has become a hot destination for the Rattler if he is to transfer. With junior QB Jayden Daniels currently taking snaps under center for the Sun Devils, Rattler could bring a higher level of play at the QB position for ASU. Currently ranked in the AP Top 25, Rattler might be able to lead these Sun Devils to a PAC-12 Championship if he were to join next season. However, what makes this destination a not as appealing is I don't think it is a flashy enough destination for him. I'd expect him to try his chances at a bigger school, going against a higher level of compeition. However, the hometown fit could land Rattler in Tempe next season.

Penn State Nittany Lions

    A flashy school, a big football school, and a Big Ten school who faces top programs like Ohio State, Michigan and so forth. With senior Sean Clifford currently leading the Nittany Lions, Rattler seems ideal to be the heir to the throne at Penn State. He would be able to showcase his skills against Big Ten opponents, and not have the huge Oklahoma spotlight on him. Penn State would welcome him with open arms, and I believe James Franklin can help revitalize Rattler. Maybe not as realistic as ASU, but the Nittany Lions wouldn't surprise me if they landed Rattler.

Miami Hurricanes

With the D'Eriq King era over in Miami after season-ending shoulder surgery, Miami seems 

destined for a poor finish in the ACC. At the conclusion of the season, Miami will likely say goodbye to most of their offensive weapons and star safety Bubba Bolden to the NFL. With young talent in the ranks, Miami would love a "veteran" like Spencer Rattler to come in and help bring life to a faltering program. He'd be able to coach up incoming QB Jacurri Brown, and young QBs Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia. A flashy destination playing in Miami, what holds back this marriage from being ideal is the lack of success Manny Diaz has seen in Miami. However, Diaz could be on his way out if the Canes can't string together some wins to end the season. Perhaps Rattler is a Cane next year, but the Miami fan in me might be doing a little too much wishful thinking. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

A destination I really like is Rattler going to the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame. A historic program, with a 2022 schedule that features Ohio State, UNC, BYU, Clemson and USC, Rattler would have plenty of big games to go out and display against college football's top programs. With the QB play taking a dip since Ian Book has departed to the NFL, Rattler could become that guy for the Irish. Recruited by them as a high school prospect, Notre Dame has loaded up on their 2022 recruiting class with a Top 5 class that features the #12 receiver in the class C.J. Williams out of Southern California power house Mater Dei. If Rattler decides to go to the Fighting Irish, I could see them making another playoff run.

Kentucky Wildcats

After a win against Florida that has propelled the undefeated Wildcats into the 11th spot on the AP Poll, Rattler could look to be the replacement for Junior QB Will Levis if he decides to take his talents to the NFL after the end of the season. Kentucky seems to be on the rise as a program, and heading to a school with a lower profile in the SEC will allow for Rattler the opportunity to further rise the Wildcats in the SEC ranks next year. Facing Top SEC talent next season next year will give Rattler the chance to show he still has what it takes to be a top NFL prospect. Also not too big of a spotlight, which will allow Rattler to focus on developing his game without media crawling down his neck.