Spencer Rattler’s NFL Ascent: Gamecocks Quarterback Officially Declares After Stellar Seasons and Program Impact

The highly anticipated announcement has now been officially confirmed: Spencer Rattler is set to make his move to the NFL after showcasing remarkable skills during his two standout seasons at South Carolina, as revealed on Wednesday. Despite his relatively brief stint at USC, Rattler secured the fifth spot on the Gamecocks’ career passing yardage chart, amassing an impressive 6,212 yards and 37 touchdowns over the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Expressing his excitement, Rattler shared in a farewell post on social media, “This has been a dream and goal of mine since I was a little kid and cannot wait for the chance to turn my dream into reality. These two years have by far been the best times of my football life.”

Should Rattler be drafted, he could potentially make history as the first USC quarterback selected by the NFL since Todd Ellis in 1990. Grateful for his time with the Gamecocks, Rattler extended his appreciation to coach Shane Beamer, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, and his teammates. During his tenure, Rattler secured 13 victories, including notable wins such as USC’s first-ever triumph against Texas A&M and consecutive victories over Tennessee and Clemson in 2022, marking the only instance when USC defeated two Top 10 teams in consecutive weeks.

Coach Beamer vividly recalled his excitement when Rattler committed to the team after navigating the transfer portal following a series of seasons with ups and downs at Oklahoma. From redshirting to becoming the National Freshman of the Year and eventually being benched as a sophomore, Rattler’s college career seemed uncertain. However, his time with the Gamecocks saw a resurgence in his performance, with his leadership qualities shining through.

Despite a challenging season that concluded with a 5-7 record, Rattler took responsibility for the team’s performance, a testament to his quarterback mentality. However, those around him recognized his pivotal role in preventing a potentially worse outcome for the season. Reflecting on his impact on the program, Rattler expressed, “A dude that helped change the program, played hard every single Saturday. I just want to be known as that.”

As Rattler ventures into the next chapter of his career in the NFL, his legacy at South Carolina is marked by transformative leadership, on-field prowess, and a lasting impact on the Gamecocks’ football program.