Former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler will compete for the New Orleans Saints’ starting QB job during training camp this season.

Former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler has made waves as one of the most intriguing players in college football over the past few years. His path to the NFL has been filled with highs, lows, and a fair amount of scrutiny. After a standout career at South Carolina, Rattler is now poised to compete for the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback job, a rare opportunity for a young, talented player to carve his niche in the NFL.

This opportunity represents a critical juncture in Rattler’s career. Not only is he competing for a spot on one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, but he’s doing so under a coaching staff that values competition and a fresh perspective in the quarterback room. To understand the magnitude of Rattler’s opportunity, it’s essential to reflect on his journey thus far—how he reached this point, the challenges he faced, and what he needs to succeed at the next level.

Spencer Rattler’s Rise in College Football

Spencer Rattler first made a name for himself as a top-tier high school quarterback in Phoenix, Arizona. Rattler was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in the country in the 2019 recruiting class, earning five-star status and a place among the nation’s elite. He committed to play for the University of Oklahoma under then-head coach Lincoln Riley, a quarterback guru who had a track record of developing NFL-caliber talent.

Rattler’s freshman year in 2019 was an interesting blend of development and expectations. Although he didn’t start immediately, his first significant playing time came during his sophomore year in 2020 when he took the reins as the starting quarterback. Rattler’s debut as a starter was met with high expectations, and he performed admirably, leading Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. That season, Rattler showcased his arm strength, mobility, and confidence—traits that made him a highly sought-after future NFL prospect.

However, things didn’t always go according to plan for Rattler. His junior year in 2021 was marked by inconsistency. After a rocky start to the season, which included some high-profile losses and struggles in big games, Rattler found himself replaced by Caleb Williams, a freshman who would go on to lead Oklahoma’s offense for the remainder of the season. The benching was a significant moment in Rattler’s career, and it cast doubt on his future in college football. However, rather than choosing to transfer immediately, Rattler decided to embrace a new challenge.

The Move to South Carolina

After leaving Oklahoma, Rattler entered the transfer portal, and in the spring of 2022, he chose to continue his collegiate career at South Carolina. This decision was met with both excitement and skepticism. South Carolina, under head coach Shane Beamer, was rebuilding and seeking a quarterback who could elevate the program. Rattler’s move to the SEC, a conference known for its tough defenses and physical style of play, was viewed by many as a step up in competition.

Rattler’s first year with the Gamecocks was filled with promise. While his season wasn’t without its ups and downs, it was clear that his talent was undeniable. Rattler threw for over 4,000 yards and 18 touchdowns during the 2022 season, leading South Carolina to a bowl game victory. His ability to throw deep, manage the game, and demonstrate leadership caught the attention of NFL scouts. More importantly, Rattler showed his mental toughness and resilience, which are key qualities for quarterbacks looking to make the leap to the professional level.

In his second season at South Carolina in 2023, Rattler continued to improve. He showcased more consistency, improved his decision-making, and even earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors on multiple occasions. His relationship with head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains helped him hone his skills, and Rattler’s performance elevated South Carolina’s overall play. Notably, he helped lead the Gamecocks to a thrilling victory over a top-ranked team, which cemented his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

Transition to the NFL: Entering the Saints’ Quarterback Room

As Spencer Rattler declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, his journey came full circle. He was no longer just a young prospect with raw talent—he was a polished, seasoned quarterback with experience in one of the toughest conferences in college football. Rattler’s entry into the NFL draft was one that came with mixed opinions. Some analysts saw him as a player with great potential who needed a little more development, while others questioned his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.

The New Orleans Saints, with their long history of success and a coaching staff led by head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, were looking for a fresh quarterback to compete for the starting position. At the time, the Saints were navigating the post-Drew Brees era, with Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton sharing duties in the 2023 season. While Winston had shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remained elusive, and Dalton was on the tail end of his career. With an aging roster and some promising pieces on offense, the Saints were in need of a new signal-caller who could lead them into the future.

When Rattler was selected by the Saints, it was clear that they saw something in him. The Saints had been known for their ability to develop quarterbacks, as evidenced by Brees’ transformation from an underappreciated player in San Diego to one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Now, Rattler had the chance to prove that he could be the next great quarterback in New Orleans.

What Rattler Must Do to Win the Job

As Rattler prepares for training camp with the Saints, the competition for the starting quarterback position will be fierce. New Orleans has a solid offensive line, a strong running back committee, and a talented receiving corps led by star wideout Michael Thomas. However, the quarterback is the key to unlocking the full potential of this offense, and Rattler’s success will depend on several factors.

1. Proving Consistency: One of Rattler’s biggest challenges will be proving that he can be consistent at the professional level. His college career showed flashes of brilliance, but he also experienced struggles, particularly when faced with pressure. In the NFL, consistency is crucial, and Rattler will need to show that he can make accurate throws under pressure and avoid the mental mistakes that plagued him at times during his college career.

2. Understanding the Playbook: Rattler’s transition to the NFL will require him to master a much more complex playbook. While he’s accustomed to high-pressure situations and has already worked in a system that valued up-tempo offense, the NFL’s schemes are notoriously intricate. Rattler will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the Saints’ offense, which could include being able to call protections, read defenses, and make quick decisions at the line of scrimmage.

3. Developing Chemistry with His Receivers: One of the most critical aspects of a quarterback’s development is his ability to build chemistry with his receivers. In New Orleans, Rattler will be throwing to a talented group, including veteran wide receiver Michael Thomas and emerging talents like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Building trust and understanding timing with his receivers during training camp will be essential for his success.

4. Handling the Pressure: The NFL is a different beast compared to college football. The speed of the game is faster, the defenses are stronger, and the expectations are higher. Rattler will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of playing in the NFL and thrive in high-stakes moments. Whether it’s making the game-winning throw or recovering from a turnover, Rattler must show that he can stay calm under pressure.

5. Showcasing Leadership: Rattler has already shown leadership qualities in college, particularly at South Carolina, where he guided his team through tough games and emerged as a leader on and off the field. In the NFL, leadership is paramount, and Rattler will need to earn the respect of his teammates by being vocal, supportive, and confident in his role as a quarterback.

The Saints’ Quarterback Future: A Fresh Chapter

The competition for the starting quarterback position in New Orleans will be intense, but Spencer Rattler’s arrival signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the franchise. Whether he ultimately wins the starting job or not, the opportunity to compete for it is a significant step in his career. For the Saints, adding a young, talented quarterback like Rattler provides a sense of hope for the future, as they look to rebuild and contend for playoff spots in the post-Drew Brees era.

Rattler’s journey from a five-star recruit to a promising NFL quarterback has been anything but ordinary, but it’s clear that the future is bright for him. With a wealth of experience, talent, and determination, he is ready to take on the challenge of earning a starting spot with the New Orleans Saints. The next chapter in his career will be written in training camp, and his performance in the coming months will determine whether he can lead the Saints into the future.

As Rattler steps into the NFL, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if he can live up to the promise he showed in college. For New Orleans, the hope is that Spencer Rattler will become the new face of the franchise, leading them back to championship contention in the years to come.