Dillon Gabriel is embarking on his sixth season of college football, playing for his third different school. He started his career at the University of Central Florida before transferring to Oklahoma for two seasons. In December, he made the decision to head to Oregon to play with the Ducks for his final year of eligibility. Gabriel has been successful in his previous stops, throwing for over 3,000 yards in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Sooners. He is now looking forward to the change of scenery and competition that comes with playing in a new conference.
Gabriel expressed his excitement about playing in his third conference and the opportunities it presents for growth and experience. He sees college as a pivotal time to prepare for a potential NFL career and believes that playing in different environments and against various teams is what football is all about. Gabriel felt that Oregon was the perfect spot for him at this stage of his career and his desire to compete at the highest level. He aims to win a national championship and viewed his decision to transfer as a way to further his development as a player.
Despite some initial discomfort during camp, Gabriel embraced the challenges that come with transferring to a new school and learning a new offense. He acknowledged the value of being in an uncomfortable situation as it fosters growth and learning. Gabriel emphasized the importance of constantly evolving and improving as a player, particularly in his sixth year of college. He viewed the change as a positive opportunity to expand his skills and outlook on football, compared to staying at one school for an extended period.
The quarterback sees his decision to transfer to Oregon as a way to gain new experiences, learn from different perspectives, and continue growing as a player. Gabriel valued the opportunity to work with new coaches, adjust to a different offense, and face unfamiliar challenges. He believed that being in a new environment allows for personal and athletic development, contrasting with remaining stagnant at one school for an extended period. Gabriel expressed gratitude for the opportunities and lessons that his transfer to Oregon has provided him, emphasizing the positive aspects of his journey.
The Ducks are set to kick off their Big Ten season with Dillon Gabriel under center against Idaho on Saturday night. Gabriel is eager to showcase his skills and lead his new team in pursuit of success in their new conference. He is focused on making the most of his final year of college football and setting himself up for a potential NFL career. Gabriel’s journey through different schools and conferences has provided him with valuable experiences and challenges that have contributed to his growth and development as a player. He remains motivated to compete at the highest level and achieve his goals within the sport of football.
