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Spencer Rattler doesn’t want to be affiliated with the University of Oklahoma. The passer had a message for Sooner fans that might want to take credit for any of his post-OU success.
Despite spending three seasons in Norman, he wants to be remembered as a South Carolina Gamecock, the program he transferred to before the 2022 campaign.
In a recent interview on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, Rattler was asked if Sooner supporters would claim him as one of their own should he be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
His response? “I hope not.”
Spencer Rattler hopes Oklahoma fans don’t claim him if he goes in the 1st round
If a player transfers away from your college, can you claim them in the NFL? @BussinWTB pic.twitter.com/XZpoLQ8EKQ
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) March 21, 2023
The situation happened how it happened. Obviously, I was salty about it. I’m a competitor. I want to be out there playing, and we were winning games… We were undefeated at the time I got benched… You live and you learn. God sent me here for a reason.
Maybe not the most surprising answer considering how his career at OU ended, but this is a subject that’s come up with other players in the past, and it’s only going to grow in the new transfer portal era.
Many remember Russell Wilson as a Wisconsin Badger despite his being a three-year starter at NC State. Ohio State fans often try to claim Joe Burrow, though LSU supporters are quick to strike that notion down.
As for Spencer Rattler, many Oklahoma fans probably aren’t quick to claim him due to some shade thrown at the program in the past, whether those shots be taken directly or indirectly.
Still, you can bet a few might hop on the bandwagon should he have a stellar senior season and become a first-round NFL draft pick.
Oklahoma fans certainly (and rightfully) take credit for transfers Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and their leaps to first-round status. They also take no issue in claiming NFC Champion Jalen Hurts, who nearly won a Heisman at OU but spent his first three seasons at Alabama.
Should they have an opportunity to claim another first-round pick for the program, many would change their tune.
For Spencer Rattler, his focus is set on closing out his career with South Carolina strong. The quarterback struggled at times in his first SEC campaign, but he thrived in his final three contests.
In matchups with Tennessee, Clemson, and Notre Dame, Rattler threw 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gamecock fans are hoping that the production continues into next year.
If so, he’d surely rise up draft boards. NFL Draft Buzz currently lists him as one of the top 10 QB prospects in the class.
After an array of sub-par performances throughout October and November Rattler finally showcased his star quality against top quality opposition as he put up 438 yards and five touchdowns as South Carolina beat No. 5 Tennessee 63-38, all but eliminating the Volunteers from the playoffs. This will have pro teams giving Rattler a second look and likely have significantly boosted his draft stock.
We’ll see where he winds up next April. We already know which program he’ll affiliate himself with come draft day.