Former Oklahoma and UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced Saturday he is transferring to Oregon for a sixth season of college football.
Gabriel, a Mililani graduate who is the Hawaii high school career passing yardage record-holder, posted on social media “Marcus Approved” in reference to former Oregon Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, a Saint Louis School alumnus.
Gabriel wears jersey No. 8 in honor of Mariota. Oregon opens its 2024 season on the road against Hawaii on Aug. 24.
Gabriel lines up as Oregon's replacement for Bo Nix, a Heisman finalist who spent the last two seasons with the Ducks after starting his career with Auburn. The Ducks are transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten next season.
He is the most experienced and productive quarterback available in the portal for next season, with 14,865 career yards passing. He is 4,352 yards behind former Houston quarterback Case Keenum’s major college football record of 19,217 and 2,207 behind Hawaii's Timmy Chang in second place with 17,072.
Gabriel threw for 6,828 yards and 55 touchdowns and ran for 18 scores the last two seasons with Oklahoma. The left-hander played his first three seasons at UCF, passing for 70 touchdowns. He has already started 50 games in his college career.
His biggest moment at OU was his comeback win over Texas in the Red River Rivalry in October. Texas went on to win the Big 12 and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Other high-profile quarterbacks in the portal who are still uncommitted include Cameron Ward from Washington State; Kye McCord from Ohio State; Riley Leonard from Duke; Will Howard from Kansas State; Tyler Van Dyke from Miami and Dante Moore from UCLA. UH quarterback Brayden Schager also entered the portal after a productive 2023 season with 26 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.