College Football: Top 5 transfer portal quarterback additions for 2022

Spencer Rattler: From Oklahoma to South Carolina

It comes as little to no surprise that Spencer Rattler transferred from Oklahoma. The Arizona native was benched this season in favor of true five-star freshman Caleb Williams and the coach that recruited him, Lincoln Riley, left Norman for sunny Southern California.

What is curious about Rattler’s transfer destination. Rattler joins former Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer at South Carolina. While Rattler instantly becomes the best quarterback on the depth chart, why not join Riley — who began recruiting Rattler as a sophomore — at USC?

There are several theories on why Rattler is on the Eastern Seaboard rather than the West Coast. The most obvious is that the relationship soured when Riley benched Rattler in favor of Williams.

Rattler could have soured on Riley after being benched. Conversely, Riley might think that he cannot win with Rattler by virtue of him benching the redshirt sophomore quarterback. Riley does inherit two excellent prospects in freshmen, Jaxon Dart and Moss Miller.

Despite the criticisms of Rattler, he did lead the Sooners to a Big 12 title in 2020 and a Cotton Bowl victory. Any head coach will comfort having a starting quarterback on the roster, and the Gamecocks have one in Rattler.

South Carolina has to run the football and recruit some receivers for Rattler. The change of scenery could prove beneficial for Rattler.