"You’re full force, full go": Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel describes joining the Ducks as the "easiest decision" of his life
Talented QB Dillon Gabriel made a major decision to transfer from the Oklahoma Sooners to the Oregon Ducks during this year's off-season. He comes in as the replacement of Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix, who the Denver Broncos made the 12th overall pick of this year's NFL Draft.
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM, Gabriel, the new Ducks captain, said his decision to join the team was easy since it would give him an opportunity to work with coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein in his final NCAA Football season.
"I told you, it’s the easiest decision I’ve made in my life. And that’s just the alignment, you know, with coach Lanning and coach Stein, and the immediate conversation we had," said Gabriel.
"It was more on that the surface level of, you know, how we’re going to do things, rather than if I’m going to do it. And, you know, I think when you make that decision, you’re full force, full go."
Gabriel added that joining the Ducks would allow him to grow, which he was grateful for after spending five seasons in college football.
"When I got there in January, January 3, to be exact, you know, I was just, I was all in, you know? And there’s learning curves, there’s ups and downs, but I’m grateful to be in the position I am," explained Gabriel.
"Because, who in year six would think that you’re still growing, you’re still uncomfortable, and you’re still pushing yourself. And, you know, conceptually, in the weight room, all you know, areas of your life. So, rather than being stagnant and comfortable, I appreciate the ability to keep growing."
Dillon Gabriel enjoyed an exceptional 2023 season with the Oregon Ducks
Dillon Gabriel burst onto the scene in 2022, winning the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Award in his first season with the Sooners. He followed that up with an exceptional 2023 season, in which he won multiple awards.
Gabriel completed 266 of 384 passes (69.3%) for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also rushed 93 times for 373 yards (4.0 average), with his 12 touchdowns, ranking second in the country.
His impressive performances in all 12 of the Sooners' games made him a finalist for the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, as well as a semi-finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and the Maxwell Award.
Dillon Gabriel comes to the Oregon Ducks with the joint-fourth highest touchdowns in NCAA Football history. Should he start all 12 games for the Ducks this season, he could tie Nix for the most career starts for a quarterback in NCAA Football. His journey with the Ducks begins on August 31 when they take on the Idaho Vandals.