Dillon Gabriel is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, one year after he made the decision to transfer to Oregon for his final season of collegiate football.
Oregon’s quarterback is one of four players traveling to New York City on Saturday night (5 p.m., ESPN) to witness the 90th winner of college football’s top individual award.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Miami quarterback Cam Ward, and Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter join Gabriel.
Gabriel thought back on the past year on the anniversary of his choice to travel to Oregon.
When you stand back and observe, you realize that the work we’ve done is the reason we’re where we are, Gabriel said. In order for us to start the season feeling great, we have put in endless hours of work to learn this offense, spend time with the men, and build relationships. I also examine every play that has been produced. Just because special teams play regular games and are typically dominant doesn’t mean they get here. There are highs and lows. Adversity exists. Players are being lost. Every day and every week of the season presents a unique challenge. Oh my goodness, you value the travel and the effort it took to get to your current location. because you are aware of the time and work you have invested. You have made a sacrifice. You wanted to achieve this objective.
It’s far from done, but one of our objectives was to win every game, secure the Big Ten Championship, and advance to a favorable position. Looking back, I believe that I trusted my instincts, and they have always worked out well for me. I have faith in coach Dan Lanning, and from our first phone conversation and in-person meeting, he hasn’t changed. No recruit spiel doesn’t make him alter. What I value most about him is that he is who he was. The most satisfying part comes when you’re with the men. I genuinely like entering the building every day, which makes me grin every day. Working with them guys is fun. I enjoy investing the time, effort, and effort. I enjoy the serious discussions that the veterans have. The young men who keep us youthful are the ones I adore. It has nothing to do with success. It is due to the fact that we are able to establish a favorable atmosphere for everyone. Success has been occurring because, to any player or athlete, that is where people flourish.
No. 1 Oregon (13-0) vs. No. 8 Ohio State (10-2)/No. 9 Tennessee (10-2) in the CFP quarterfinal
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When:
Wednesday, Jan. 1
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Time:
2 p.m. PT
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Where:
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
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TV channel:
ESPN
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Gabriel joins Bo Nix (2023), Marcus Mariota (2014, winner), LaMichael James (2010), and Joey Harrington (2001) as the sixth Heisman Trophy contender in Oregon history.
Gabriel, a sixth-year senior, ranks eight in passing yards (3,558) and passing touchdowns (28), seventh in passer efficiency rating (166.57), and second in completion percentage (73.2%) nationally. This season, Gabriel has rushed for 192 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking sixth in the country in yards per play (8.0).
Before traveling to New York, Gabriel, a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, will spend Tuesday in Las Vegas with the other contenders. In addition, he is a finalist for the Davey O. Brien and Maxwell trophies, which will be given out Thursday night at the College Football trophies ceremony.
On January 1, Gabriel, the most seasoned starting quarterback in NCAA history, will make his 63rd career start for the No. 1 Ducks (13-0) in the Rose Bowl versus the winner of the College Football Playoff quarterback competition between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee.
“Clearly, our vision was partially realized,” Lanning stated. You frequently discuss your vision and your hopes for the future, but at this point, I would argue that Dillon’s actions speak for themselves. This year, he has led our team with incredible skill. It is now a reality rather than an ideal. I believe that your thoughts often shape your objectives, which in turn shape your reality. Dillon has done a fantastic job on that.
–The Oregon Ducks and Big Ten are covered by James Crepea. Get the Ducks Roundup email or listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast.
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