Brent Venables clarifies timeline on Dillon Gabriel leaving Oklahoma
As Jackson Arnold struggled and eventually left last week’s game against Tennessee, there was chatter about the circumstances around Dillon Gabriel’s departure from Oklahoma. While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Brent Venables clarified the timeline for his decision and said it came before the bowl game.
Toward the end of his press conference Tuesday, Venables – unprompted – detailed the conversation , which took place ahead of the Alamo Bowl against Arizona. That’s when Gabriel informed Venables of his desire to move closer to home. It surprised Venables – not because Gabriel was leaving the program, but because the coach didn’t plan on him coming back with the NFL Draft as a possible option.
Add in the departure of Jeff Lebby, and Gabriel chose to move on. He eventually committed to Oregon for his final season of college football.
“I would, because somebody brought it to my attention there was a story that was written – not that it really matters. But at the same time, at the end of the year, had a meeting after a few weeks at the end of the season where Dillon Gabriel came to visit with me,” Venables said. “He wanted to have a meeting and let me know that he wasn’t gonna play in the bowl game. I already had gotten wind and he knew some other guys were opting out on the offensive line and things like that. I did not know at that time that he wasn’t gonna go to the NFL when we had a great conversation with him. Disappointed that he wasn’t gonna go play in the bowl game. With the circumstances of Coach Lebby leaving, he thought he wanted to get closer to home, to Hawaii.
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“I was like, I didn’t even know I had to fight this fight. I didn’t realize that you were even considering coming back. He says, ‘Yeah, but I just really want to get closer to home.’ We hugged and shook hands. He was a little emotional and I was, but it was all really good and positive.”
Brent Venables on Dillon Gabriel: ‘Nobody running nobody off’
Gabriel had a big year with Oklahoma in 2023. He threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 373 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, which added to the anticipation as he succeeded Bo Nix at Oregon.
But Venables pointed out the impact the lack of NFL interest had on Gabriel. But he made it clear there was no “running off” involved in the decision.
“The guy’s trying to find the next thing, the next chapter for him,” Venables said. “I’m sure there was probably some disappointment that he wasn’t more highly thought of in the NFL. Had an amazing year and is a fantastic quarterback.
“There was nobody running nobody off or things like that. The veterans are good. I think I’ve always said the experienced player can sometimes do more than the young guys. That’s neither here nor there, but I did want to make sure I cleared that up.”