Spencer Rattler, once considered one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football, is set to embark on a new chapter of his career with the New Orleans Saints. After transferring from Oklahoma to South Carolina, Rattler’s journey in the collegiate ranks has been anything but typical. His talent, which had earned him a highly coveted spot as a five-star recruit, was put to the test amid high expectations and adversity. Now, as he prepares to compete for a starting role with the Saints, he’s looking to prove that the potential that once had scouts and fans alike buzzing is far from a distant memory.
Rattler’s college career was one marked by both highs and lows. In 2020, he entered the season as the highly anticipated starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. As a freshman, he was expected to lead the program to a national championship. Early in the season, Rattler showed flashes of brilliance, with his arm strength and accuracy being on full display. However, as the season wore on, he struggled with consistency. A midseason loss to Iowa State and a few underwhelming performances raised questions about whether he could live up to the hype. Despite those struggles, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley stood by him, and Rattler helped lead the Sooners to a Big 12 title and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The following year, however, was an entirely different story. Rattler began the 2021 season as the starting quarterback for Oklahoma but was eventually benched in favor of Caleb Williams, a highly touted freshman. The change marked a turning point in Rattler’s career, and his relationship with the program began to sour. He ultimately made the decision to transfer to South Carolina, where he was reunited with former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Shane Beamer, now the head coach of the Gamecocks.
Rattler’s time at South Carolina had its share of challenges. The team wasn’t viewed as a powerhouse, and the expectations were tempered. However, Rattler demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance. In his first season with the Gamecocks, he posted respectable numbers, passing for over 4,000 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading the team to a bowl game. Despite these achievements, he was far from perfect. His inconsistency still persisted, and there were moments when it felt like he was not fully able to shake off the disappointment of his time at Oklahoma. But in a way, South Carolina was the perfect landing spot for Rattler, as it offered him the opportunity to rebuild his career away from the enormous pressures and spotlight that had followed him at Oklahoma.
Now, as Rattler makes the jump to the NFL, the stakes are higher than ever. The New Orleans Saints have found themselves in a position where they need a quarterback capable of leading the offense, and Rattler is hoping that his time at South Carolina has prepared him for that moment. In New Orleans, he’ll face stiff competition for the starting job. The Saints currently have a quarterback room that includes veteran Derek Carr, whom they signed in the offseason to be their starting quarterback. Carr is a proven commodity in the NFL, with several years of experience as a starter for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the Saints appear to be taking a long-term view, and the presence of Rattler could signal their intention to evaluate their options at the quarterback position more thoroughly.
Rattler’s skill set certainly makes him an intriguing option. He possesses the physical tools that make NFL scouts salivate: a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make all the throws required at the next level. He can stretch the field vertically and is capable of making pinpoint throws down the sideline. His deep ball is one of the most impressive aspects of his game, with the ability to place the ball in tight windows and lead receivers toward the end zone. His athleticism also gives him the ability to make plays outside of the pocket, a skill that is highly valued in today’s NFL. His mobility makes him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of picking up yards with his legs when the pocket breaks down.
However, Rattler’s greatest challenge will be translating the highs and lows of his college career into consistent NFL-level play. Inconsistency, especially in terms of decision-making, has been a defining characteristic of his college career. Rattler can make spectacular throws that few quarterbacks in the league are capable of, but he’s also been prone to forcing passes into coverage or making mistakes under pressure. At the NFL level, those mistakes are often amplified and can result in costly turnovers. Rattler will need to prove that he can make quicker decisions, read defenses at a faster rate, and show that he can maintain his composure when the stakes are high.
The Saints, meanwhile, are in a bit of a transitional phase. Carr provides them with stability at quarterback, but he’s not considered a long-term answer to the team’s future at the position. New Orleans has been searching for a franchise quarterback since the departure of Drew Brees, and while Carr is a solid option, he’s in the latter stages of his career. Rattler, on the other hand, represents a potential future for the franchise—a quarterback with the raw talent and upside to become a long-term solution if he can reach his full potential.
Rattler’s path to the starting job won’t be an easy one. He’ll need to demonstrate that he can process information quickly and efficiently, a skill that is vital for quarterbacks at the NFL level. He’ll also need to prove that he can handle the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. This will be a significant adjustment for him, as the level of competition in college is a far cry from what he will face in the pros. However, the Saints coaching staff has shown a willingness to develop young quarterbacks, and they may see Rattler as a project worth investing in.
If Rattler can manage the learning curve and prove that he has the mental fortitude to succeed in the NFL, he could be a real asset for the Saints. His arm strength, combined with his mobility and playmaking ability, gives him a skill set that’s hard to overlook. The Saints have a strong roster and a solid offensive line, which should provide Rattler with the time and protection he needs to develop into a capable starter. With the right coaching, he has the potential to emerge as a quarterback who can lead New Orleans into the future.
There’s no question that Rattler has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. The key question, however, is whether he can put it all together. He’s entering a situation where he’s not guaranteed a starting role, and that competition could be the best thing for him. The challenge of competing against a seasoned veteran like Derek Carr could push Rattler to elevate his game. It’s not uncommon for quarterbacks to take a few years to fully develop in the NFL, and if Rattler can focus on honing his skills, both mentally and physically, he could become a quarterback to watch in the years to come.
Ultimately, Rattler’s journey in the NFL will depend on his ability to adapt, learn, and overcome the mistakes of his past. He may not have had the smoothest college career, but that doesn’t mean his potential is any less real. With the Saints, Rattler has an opportunity to prove that he is more than just a former five-star recruit who couldn’t quite live up to expectations. He has a chance to become the quarterback who leads New Orleans into a new era, with a fresh start and a clean slate.
As the Saints prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Spencer Rattler. The quarterback competition will be fierce, but if he can rise to the occasion, Rattler may just find himself taking the reins as New Orleans’ next great quarterback. The NFL is full of stories of players who overcame adversity to reach the highest level, and Spencer Rattler’s story is far from over. The journey that began with so much promise at Oklahoma now has the chance to culminate in a new beginning with the New Orleans Saints.