Oklahoma names Rattler starting QB for opener

Redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler will start at quarterback when Oklahoma opens its season against Missouri State, head coach Lincoln Riley announced Tuesday.

Rattler and Tanner Mordecai were battling for the starting job, but the latter was hindered by a lack of availability for much of fall camp.

Rattler will serve as the fourth opening day starting quarterback for Oklahoma in as many years, following Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield. All three predecessors became Heisman Trophy finalists, with Murray and Mayfield capturing the award before going first overall in the NFL draft.

A former prized recruit, Rattler was long believed to be the favorite to take over as the starter in 2020. In three appearances as a true freshman, Rattler completed seven of 11 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

The Oklahoma-Missouri State opener is scheduled for Sept. 12 and is the only non-conference game on the Sooners' modified schedule for 2020.