Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables addressed the media at his weekly press conference on Tuesday, focusing on former quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Venables clarified the reasons behind Gabriel’s transfer from Oklahoma to Oregon this past offseason, stating plainly that Gabriel moved to be closer to home. “You can’t make a guy stay,” Venables explained. “He’s looking for the next chapter in his life. I’m sure he felt some disappointment about not being more highly regarded for the NFL. He had a fantastic year as a quarterback, but we didn’t push anyone out or anything like that.”
While Venables shared his perspective, reports indicate that Gabriel chose not to return to Oklahoma after former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State. Venables initially thought Gabriel sat out the last game of the 2023 season to prepare for the NFL, but Gabriel ultimately entered the transfer portal, seeking to play closer to his home state of Hawaii.
In a press conference at Oregon, Gabriel reflected on his journey, saying, “Honestly, it’s so far gone. I just know God has me exactly where I need to be. I’m smiling every day because I’m in Eugene, surrounded by great guys. These are my brothers for life, and I still keep in touch with many of my former teammates. I focus on what I can control, and that’s exactly where I am. I’m happy, and I believe God put me here, and that’s all that needs to be said.”
The conversation about Gabriel arose due to the struggles the Sooners have faced with their quarterback play this season, with Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. leading the way. Gabriel, now in his sixth college season after starting at UCF in 2019, has made impressive contributions throughout his career, completing 1,129 of 1,758 passes for 15,779 yards, with a completion rate of 64.2 percent, 131 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions over 53 games.
As a Duck, Gabriel has excelled in his first three games, completing 79 of 94 passes for 914 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. While he posted strong statistics during his time at Oklahoma, Gabriel aims to elevate his game and team performance in 2024. The Ducks are currently ranked No. 8 heading into Week 5, while the Sooners have fallen six spots to No. 21.
