Spencer Rattler Heisman Odds: South Carolina Transfer Dark Horse to Win Heisman

South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler finds himself at a new school and as more of a long shot. He was a popular Heisman Trophy candidate prior to the 2021 season. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Rattler currently holds +6000 odds to win the Heisman.

Being passed on the depth chart by Caleb Williams at Oklahoma last season may make some forget just how good Spencer Rattler was for most of his career. While leading the Sooners to a Big 12 championship in 2020, Rattler accounted for 34 total touchdowns. He ranked in the top 20 nationally in touchdown passes, completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating. 

Despite having what some would consider a sophomore slump in 2021, Rattler was still effective. Although his yards per attempt numbers, touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating decreased, Rattler completed nearly 75% of his pass attempts. Had he had enough passes to qualify, that would have led the nation.

While completion percentage isn’t always the best indicator of a quarterback’s effectiveness, Rattler did average 7.9 yards per attempt. That would have ranked somewhere in the middle of the pack in the Big 12.

More regarded as a passer than a rusher, Rattler does have nine career rushing touchdowns to his name. Although he did so only once last season – in the opener against Tulane – Rattler has hit the 300-yard passing mark five times in his career. He’s also 5-0 in his career as a starter against ranked opponents. 

Spencer Rattler has +2000 odds to be selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, according to DraftKings Sportsbook,

At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Rattler has the body, arm, and athleticism to go high in the NFL Draft. Transitioning to the SEC will allow Rattler to show what he can accomplish against top-tier competition. 

As a redshirt freshman in 2020, Rattler took home numerous recognitions, including being named National Freshman of the Year by CBS Sports. A first-team All-Big 12 selection and a Freshman All-American, Rattler was a member of the conference’s All-Academic team and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, which annually goes to the nation’s top quarterback. 

 

After three seasons in Norman, Rattler will have two years of eligibility remaining as he makes the transition to Columbia. UCLA and Nebraska were also suitors for Rattler’s services upon entering the transfer portal. 

Spencer Rattler’s parents are Mike and Susan Rattler. Mike Rattler works in the automobile industry while Susan Rattler teaches elementary school.

Spencer Rattler played high school football at Pinnacle High School in Phoenix. Arizona. As a 2019 prospect, Rattler ranked as the No. 11 overall recruit in the country and the top pro-style quarterback, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Prior to taking a collegiate snap, Rattler was among three young quarterbacks to be featured on the Netflix show “QB1: Beyond the Lights.” Lance LeGendre and Nik Scalzo were also highlighted on the program.