Dillon Gabriel explains decision to transfer to Oregon

Dillon Gabriel kept it a buck regarding his decision to move on from the Oklahoma Sooners and join the Oregon Ducks.

Speaking with Sooner Scoop, the star quarterback elaborated on what went into his choice, and the conversation he had with Brent Venables that reassured him it was the right one. There’s no ill-will, as there’s only respect between Gabriel and his now-former coach.

“Yeah, I think a lot went into the decision, and it happened really fast,” Gabriel explained. “You know I had full intentions on going to the NFL after this year, and sat down and had meetings, and kind of got all my homework and wasn’t the draft grade that I thought it would be, and then also not getting into the Reese’s Senior Bowl, something that I feel like kind of gives you a clear path of trying to get drafted. The decision of coming back to play, I think it just made sense. I’m in a unique situation, having this one last year to go do this, you know with Coach BV and their program going in a younger direction. You know I actually played with a bunch of young guys that are very talented, and I believe that’s the new era, heading into the SEC. I think it was just a great conversation.

“I respect Coach BV so much. I love him to death. In terms of just being able to have a real conversation with him, when I did make that decision. Was able to just go over to his house and just talk through everything. But I just respect him a bunch, because we were able to have a mature conversation. Very truthful. I appreciate that. You know, having someone like that in my unique situation of having the extra year because of COVID, playing a bunch of football, he just understood it. I think that’s why we’re here today.”

Gabriel played two seasons with the Sooners after transferring from UCF following the 2021 season, and he made an undeniable impact on the program. Through his five whole seasons at the college level, Gabriel has thrown for more than 14,000 yards while completing better than 63 percent of his passes. 

He’s been a class act wherever he’s been, and now he’ll look to take advantage of his one final chance to endear himself to NFL coach in Eugene.

Time will tell if he’s able to do it, but Dillon Gabriel will always have some fans in Norman, after delivering some good times for the Sooners in a time of transition for Oklahoma.