Quarterback Dillon Gabriel starts his sixth college football season with three different schools, seeking a national championship with the Oregon Ducks.
Dillon Gabriel, the skilled quarterback with a remarkable college football journey, enters his sixth season on the gridiron, donning the jersey of his third university and embarking on a new adventure. His path has taken him from the University of Central Florida, where he spent three formative years, to the University of Oklahoma, where he spent a single season, and now to the University of Oregon, where he hopes to culminate his collegiate career on a high note.
Gabriel's impressive numbers attest to his abilities as a quarterback. During his stint with the Sooners, he surpassed the 3,000-yard mark in both seasons, leading his team to a 10-2 record as a starter. Now, he makes the transition from the Big 12 Conference to the Big Ten Conference, a switch that excites him.
Dillon Gabriel Embarks on Sixth College Football Season, Third Different School
"It being the third conference I've played in, I think in that aspect it's cool," Gabriel said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I've played in so many different places, and I feel like it's what football is all about. I've had the privilege to play in a bunch of different cool environments, and it's been very exciting. The more, the merrier. It's gonna be a lot of fun."
Gabriel's decision to seek another year of eligibility at Oregon was a testament to his unwavering determination to achieve greatness. He recognized the Ducks as the ideal destination to hone his skills and chase his dreams.
Dillon Gabriel Embarks on Sixth College Football Season, Third Different School
"It was kind of where I needed to be at the right time. … I think college is very special, and I think it's a pivotal time to be the player you want to be to prepare yourself for the biggest job interview of your life, which is the NFL," he said.
"I think if you ask anyone, if you can take this test or job interview, you try to get all the knowledge and experience you can prior to getting that job interview. So, that's kind of how I looked at it.
Dillon Gabriel Embarks on Sixth College Football Season, Third Different School
"I also want to win a national championship. I want to win at the highest level. So, the competitor in me wanted to do that as well. It was a big decision, but when you look at it from a player standpoint, that's kind of how I made my decision," he added.
Embracing the challenges that come with change, Gabriel has welcomed the opportunity for growth at Oregon, even during moments of discomfort during training.
"It's just a lot of learning. I think a lot of people, when they do transfer, they go to coaches they know so they know what to expect. But this one was definitely a decision I made to try something new, be uncomfortable and grow," Gabriel said.
"I think this offseason I've been appreciative that this is a new offense I'm learning, new coaches I haven't been around, but an uncomfortable situation creates growth. I've learned a lot about myself and football from different perspectives. It's my sixth year of college. I'm not stagnant, consistent. It's something new, and I'm forever learning, growing and improving.
"I'm looking at it as a huge positive because I'm looking at guys that have been at one school for six years. They get stuck in their ways or no change or evolution. Not in a negative way. But I just look at it as so many positives from this offseason," he added.
The Oregon Ducks, led by Dillon Gabriel, will commence their Big Ten Conference journey and Gabriel's final collegiate chapter against Idaho on Saturday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
