After an eventful first, and only, year on campus, Dillon Gabriel took the time on Thursday night to craft a social media post in which he thanked the Oregon Ducks’ fanbase. Gabriel expressed his gratitude as well as his warm feelings towards the program.
He also acknowledged the fact that this team had more potential than what we saw on the field in 2024.
Former Oregon Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Reflects on Season, Expresses Gratitude and Pride
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has had quite the college career. He leaves with the NCAA FBS record for total touchdowns (189) and ranks second all-time in passing yards (18,722). But the stats don’t fully encapsulate Gabriel’s journey.
Over six seasons in college football, Gabriel has seen it all. He began his career with UCF, where he finished fifth in program history in passing yards and touchdowns over three seasons in Orlando. He then transferred to Oklahoma, where he excelled, throwing 55 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions in two seasons with the Sooners.
But his final stop may have been his most memorable.
For his sixth and final year of eligibility, Gabriel took his talents to the Pacific Northwest, joining the Oregon Ducks in Eugene.
With the departure of quarterback Bo Nix, who was selected No. 12 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Gabriel stepped in as Oregon’s starter.
Expectations were high for the Ducks, who returned several key defensive players along with a loaded group of skill-position talent, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and running back Jordan James. Gabriel was the missing piece.
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And what a season they had. From Week 9 until the end of the regular season, Oregon was ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Poll. The Ducks finished 12-0, highlighted by a thrilling 32-31 home win over Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State.
In the Big Ten Championship Game against Penn State, Gabriel threw four touchdowns, leading Oregon to victory and securing the conference title in their first year as a Big Ten member.
Gabriel put up career-best numbers in his lone season at Oregon, throwing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He added seven rushing scores, earning a trip to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist, where he finished third in voting.
Everything was in place for a Ducks run in the College Football Playoff. With a first-round bye, they secured a spot in the quarterfinals. The only problem? A rematch with the Buckeyes. Ohio State got its revenge, defeating Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl, bringing a crushing end to an otherwise magical season.
On Thursday night, Gabriel reflected on his lone season with the Ducks in a social media post.
View this post on Instagram
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what this year has meant to me, and I’m filled with gratitude and pride,” he wrote. “First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Oregon and Duck Nation for believing in me and for your unwavering support throughout this special season.”
Gabriel quickly became a fan favorite in Eugene—his No. 8 jersey was a top seller on campus, seen all over town. Much like former Oregon quarterback and fellow Hawaiian Marcus Mariota, Gabriel’s humble nature made him beloved in the community.
He continued:
“Although we didn’t end up where we wanted, I am incredibly proud of this team and what we have accomplished. While I came to Oregon for football, I leave with so much more than I could have ever anticipated. This team has become my family, and the memories we’ve created together—both on and off the field—are the ones I will treasure for the rest of my life. Once a Duck, always a Duck.”
In just one season, Gabriel left an undeniable mark on Oregon football history. His impact on the program and the fan base ensures he will be remembered in Eugene for years to come.
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