Football fans are gearing up for the heart of the season as both college and high school teams across Oklahoma are making headlines. From thrilling matchups to unexpected outcomes, this season has been filled with excitement.
One of the big stories coming out of the college circuit features rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is now with the New Orleans Saints after playing at South Carolina. The former Oklahoma Sooner took to social media to voice his support for the Gamecocks during their recent game against his former school, Oklahoma. Rattler, who spent his early college career at Oklahoma, couldn’t have anticipated the unexpected turn of events when the SEC squads clashed. South Carolina made quite the statement by jumping out to a commanding 21-0 lead, thanks to two defensive touchdowns, leaving many fans stunned.
Despite hopes for Oklahoma to rebound after their rough loss to Texas, where they were defeated 34-3, the Gamecocks just seemed to have the hot hand. Rattler followed his career from afar and had personal stakes, rooting for the team with which he concluded his college tenure. This week, when he tweeted “#GoCocks,” it was clear his ties to South Carolina remain strong even as he navigates professional life.
When Rattler first stepped foot at Oklahoma as a five-star recruit, expectations were sky-high. He had some impressive seasons, throwing for over 3,000 yards during his redshirt freshman year. Unfortunately, he lost his starting position to fellow quarterback Caleb Williams, who later shined at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Switching gears to Oklahoma State, fans are facing uncertainty as the Cowboys have struggled terribly this season. After starting with high hopes, defeating Arkansas, the Cowboys have plummeted, losing their last seven games. Currently holding a record of just 3-7, with zero wins against Big 12 opponents, this season is not what head coach Mike Gundy envisioned at the start. The team has been outscored 118-62 over the last few weeks, and the once-promising running back, Ollie Gordon II, has failed to meet expectations this year after his standout performance last season.
The Cowboys are on track to potentially miss out on bowl eligibility for the first time since 2004, marking the end of Gundy's tenure. This year, with every misstep, the pressure only grows as they keep losing ground within the competitive Big 12. Their next game will be against Texas Tech, followed by their season finale against Colorado, led by viral sensation Deion Sanders who made headlines across college football.
On the high school front, as the regular season draws to a close, Oklahoma teams are ramping up for playoff action. KOCO 5 is actively partnering with ScoreStream to deliver up-to-the-minute scores and updates from high school games throughout the state. Playoff season brings its own charm, drawing fans from all corners to cheer on their local teams. The energy surrounding these games is palpable as communities band together to support their high schools.
This week, KOCO has noted the excitement among fans as teams transition from the regular season to playoffs, showcasing talent from various schools vying for the chance at state championships. The playoff format always generates buzz, inspiring pride and enthusiasm within local communities.
Meanwhile, as the NFL season continues, Spencer Rattler's performance with the Saints has been closely followed, especially since star quarterback Derek Carr is sidelined with injury. Rattler has faced some rough games recently, showing promise but also facing challenges as he adjusts to the NFL pace. With his eyes set on the upcoming matchup against the Chargers on October 27, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for him—hoping he finds his rhythm and can lead the team to victory.
Overall, the Oklahoma football scene—both at the college and high school level—is undergoing its usual ups and downs. Players are transitioning, teams are rebuilding, and above all, fans are gearing up to rally behind their favorites. Whether it’s the highs of playoff anticipation or the struggles of this college football season, one thing remains certain: football season never fails to keep excitement alive across the state.
