Pete Thamel outlines market for Dillon Gabriel, key factors

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel entered the transfer portal when it opened, looking for a new team to play for as he moves into his sixth college season.

College football reporter Pete Thamel broke down the market for Gabriel, saying that there are going to be plenty for teams interested in the veteran quarterback. He also outlined a few potential teams that could appeal to Gabriel.

“Well, Dillon Gabriel shoots right up to the top of the charts in terms of best available quarterbacks in the transfer portal,” Thamel said. “He’s probably a hair behind Riley Leonard. Dillon Gabriel has thrown for 125 touchdown passes in his college career and just under 15,000 yards.”

In essence, Thamel said there are two different options for Gabriel. Either he can go to a coach he’s familiar with or he can follow potential NIL money to a new school.

“There’s two paths his transfer can take. One is to familiar faces. Jeff Lebby, his former OC is now the head coach at Mississippi State, and his former coach prior to that at UCF, Josh Heupel, is now at Tennessee. If he goes elsewhere and chases the bigger money, look for USC and Oregon to be factors in his recruitment. Lincoln Riley has been flying around potentially looking for a replacement for Caleb Williams, and with Bo Nix gone, Oregon is in the market.”

Dillon Gabriel spent the first three seasons of his career as the starter at UCF. One of those seasons was the Covid-19 season and another he was injured four games in and didn’t return. So, he only actually used up one season of eligibility there. Since then, he’s spent two seasons as the starter at Oklahoma. He played for Jeff Lebby as a freshman at UCF and while at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel pens heartfelt letter to Sooners fans

After entering the transfer portal, Dillon Gabriel posted a letter about the decision on social media.

“The past 2 years here at OU as a Sooner I have made memories with friends and family that remind me how blessed I am. I have been able to play football for an amazing group of coaches and alongside men who have become my brothers. More than anything I have grown in faith and love. I appreciate and cherish these memories and relationships forever,” Gabriel wrote.

“My time in the palace was a game time experience I will never forget. Sooner Nation, you held me accountable and I am better for it. Coach BV, my coaches, and the football staff, I am grateful for your care, knowledge and insight. Most of all, thanks for your faith in me and the opportunity to lead and be a member of OU’s Team 128 and 129.”