On Saturday morning, Oregon’s most pressing offseason question was answered with Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel’s commitment. While current signal caller and Heisman trophy finalist Bo Nix will play in the Ducks’ final game this season, the Fiesta Bowl, he is expected to declare for the NFL Draft after the season’s conclusion, while Gabriel will ostensibly take over under center in 2024.
While speculation emerged around several candidates, including Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward, UCLA’s Dante Moore, and Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei, alongside current Oregon backup Ty Thompson, it appears that Gabriel will be the man to lead the Ducks into the Big Ten. Gabriel joins following a season with the Sooners where he posted 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions in the Big 12. The 22-year-old Hawaii native will have one year of eligibility available in Eugene.
He posted his farewell to the Sooners on December 4, the first day of the transfer window. He wrote, “The past 2 years here at OU as a Sooner I have made memories with friends and family that remind me how blessed I am. I have been able to play football for an amazing group of coaches and alongside men who have become my brothers. More than anything I have grown in faith and love. I appreciate and cherish these memories and relationships forever. My time in The Palace was a game time experience I will never forget. Sooner Nation, you held me accountable and I am better for it.”
He continued, “Coach BV (Brent Venables), my coaches, and the football staff, I am grateful for your care, knowledge, and insight. Most of all, thanks for your faith in me and the opportunity to lead and be a member of OU’s team 128 and 129.”
Gabriel’s season was highlighted by a Red River Showdown victory over Texas in Week 6, where he led a last-minute, game-winning drive that saw the Sooners take down the eventual Big 12 champions. While No. 12 Oklahoma didn’t make it back to a showdown with the Longhorns, who finished ranked third in the CFP poll, it landed an Alamo Bowl matchup with No. 14 Arizona.
247Sports ranks Gabriel as the No. 8 quarterback currently in the transfer portal, behind Moore and Ward, with a rating of 91. It’s not the first time he’s transferred, either, after spending his first three years at UCF before transferring to UCLA and recommitting to Oklahoma. 2024 will be his final year of NCAA football, and he’ll spend it in Eugene.
It’s not evident yet what weapons he’ll have available. After career years, wide receivers Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson and tight end Terrance Ferguson could arguably declare for the draft; but with a recruiting class ranked seventh in the nation, Oregon’s new quarterback will undoubtedly have the chance to show his skill.
