Spencer Rattler: Being benched for Caleb Williams at Oklahoma was a blessing in disguise

In 2021, Spencer Rattler was in his third season at Oklahoma and was the Sooners’ starting quarterback. But midway through the season, he was replaced by true freshman Caleb Williams. At the time, it was disappointing. Today, Rattler is happy with how things turned out.

As Rattler plans to face the Saints against Williams and the Bears on Sunday, he said he thinks the benching, which led to him transferring to South Carolina, was good for him.

“We all have our own paths and we have to do the best we can with our own paths,” Rattler said. “It is what it is. The past is the past. We’re focused on the present and the future, but I would say yeah, it definitely led me to South Carolina. It was a blessing in disguise that I was able to play with the Gamecocks and develop there, get ready for the league after that.”

Williams also ended up transferring the following year to USC, and their paths diverged from there. When asked what kind of relationship he currently has with Williams, Rattler replied, “Cordial.”

“I’ll say what’s going on for him during the game. I have respect for him. Good player,” Rattler said.

But despite his respect for Williams, it would surely be good for Rattler to beat him and the Bears on Sunday.