Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler announced his intentions to enter college football’s transfer portal on Monday. Although Rattler didn’t have the monster statistical season as predicted by most in the preseason, and lost the starting job to Caleb Williams, he will be a sought-after addition in the portal. Several teams will be looking for help at quarterback this offseason, and more movement among players is expected, opening the door for teams to have a need under center.
Rattler is a former five-star prospect and is due to rebound at his next stop. As a redshirt freshman for the Sooners in 2020, he threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns and passed for 1,483 yards and 11 scores to just five picks in nine games in ’21.
Where could Rattler land as a transfer? Here are 15 teams to watch (in alphabetical order):
15 Potential Transfer Destinations for Spencer Rattler
Arizona
Rattler is from Arizona, so there’s a natural connection to this program. Also, coach Jedd Fisch has a good reputation when it comes to developing quarterbacks.
Arizona State
Another natural connection with Rattler’s ties to the state of Arizona. It’s uncertain if Jayden Daniels will return for 2022 or enter the NFL Draft.
Auburn
Bo Nix’s future at Auburn isn’t clear, and the Tigers don’t have much depth beyond T.J. Finley.
Florida
New coach Billy Napier doesn’t lack for options with Anthony Richardson or Emory Jones having eligibility for 2022. However, Napier may look to add options at this position.
LSU
The Tigers already have Max Johnson and Garrett Nussmeier, so the quarterback room isn’t lacking for talent in Baton Rouge. But what will happen when a new coach is hired? Could one transfer? Or could the new staff look to bring in a different option?
Nebraska
It’s uncertain if Adrian Martinez will return for 2022, and Logan Smothers was solid in his starting debut against Iowa in the season finale. Also, Nebraska will have a new offensive coordinator next fall.
North Carolina
Sam Howell could enter the NFL Draft, leaving behind an offense that averaged 36.4 points a game this year.
Ole Miss
With Matt Corral off to the NFL, the Rebels have a need for help at quarterback. A high-powered offense directed by Lane Kiffin and Jeff Lebby could certainly appeal to Rattler.
Oregon
Touted freshman Ty Thompson is on track to take a redshirt year for 2021, leaving him with the inside track to start in ’22. But if Oregon doesn’t think Thompson is ready, Rattler would be a prime candidate to target in the portal.
South Carolina
Former Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer left Norman to be the head coach at South Carolina for the 2021 season. The Gamecocks used three different starting quarterbacks and averaged only 21.3 points a game this year. There’s definitely a need for a difference-maker at quarterback.
TCU
Could Rattler stay in the Big 12 to learn under new coach Sonny Dykes? The Horned Frogs have Max Duggan and Chandler Morris, but Dykes’ high-powered system could be an interesting fit for Rattler’s talent.
Tennessee
Hendon Hooker could return, and the Volunteers have four-star prospect Tayven Jackson committed in the 2022 class. Coach Josh Heupel’s system is very friendly for quarterbacks.
UCF
With Dillon Gabriel leaving UCF, the Knights have a clear need for an experienced option at quarterback to push Mikey Keene in 2022.
Virginia Tech
Could the new Virginia Tech staff look to add to the quarterback room?
West Virginia
Jarret Doege could return, and the Mountaineers have intriguing freshman Garrett Greene waiting in the wings. However, West Virginia could use more overall consistency and playmaking ability at this position.
Podcast: Huge Coaching News (Lincoln Riley to USC) and Breaking Down a Great Rivalry Weekend
https://athlonsports.com/college-football/spencer-rattler-transfer-schools-oregon-nebraska-ole-miss-arizona-north-carolina