Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is a Heisman Trophy finalist

On By Littum

A year ago that day, he required to transfer to Oregon in his final season of college football, Dillon Gabriel is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Oregon’s quarterback is one of four players headed to New York City, where the 90th winner of the best individual award in college football will be presented Saturday night (5 p.m., ESPN). The other finalists are Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

On the anniversary of his decision to come to Oregon, Gabriel reflected on the past year.

“To take a step back and look, you understand there’s a why behind where we are, and it’s the work we’ve put in,” Gabriel said. “The countless hours of grinding to learn this offense, to be around the guys, to connect with others so we can go into the season with a really good feeling. I also look at all the plays that were made. Special teams coming not here, just because they play normal games and dominate. There are ups and downs. There are losses of players.

“The whole season has its own challenge within the day, within the week. Gosh, you appreciate the journey; the work of getting right where you are right now, where your feet are. Because you understand that you put in all the time and effort. You have sacrificed. You wanted to achieve this goal.”

Gabriel is the fifth Heisman Trophy finalist in Oregon history, joining Joey Harrington (2001), LaMichael James (2010), Marcus Mariota (2014, winner) and Bo Nix (2023).

A sixth-year senior, Gabriel is second nationally in completion percentage (73.2%), seventh in passer efficiency rating (166.57) and eighth in passing yards (3,558) and passing touchdowns (28). He has also rushed for 192 yards and seven scores this season, making Gabriel ninth nationally in yards per carry. games (8.0).

“I smile every day because I really enjoy walking into the building every day,” Gabriel said. “I enjoy working with those guys. I love putting in the work, the time, the energy. I love mature conversations from the veterans. I love the young guys who keep us young. It’s not because of success. It’s because of the way we are able to create a positive environment for everyone.”

A finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, Gabriel will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday with the other finalists for that award before heading to New York. He is also a finalist for the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards, which will be presented Thursday night during the College Football Awards show.

CFP Quarterfinals: No. 1 Oregon (13-0) vs. no. 8 Ohio State (10-2)/No. 9 Tennessee (10-2)

  • When: Wednesday, January 1
  • Time: 2 p.m. PT
  • Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
  • TV channel: ESPN
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The most experienced starting quarterback in NCAA history, Gabriel begins his career for the No. 1 Ducks (13-0) against the winner of the No. 8 Ohio State and no. 9 Tennessee in a College Football Playoff quarterback in the Rose Bowl on January 1st.

“Obviously our vision played out,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “A lot of time you talk about a vision and what you hope things can be, and right now I’d say the proof is in the pudding with Dillon. He’s done an incredible job leading our team this year. It’s no longer a vision; it’s a reality. I think a lot of times your intentions create a reality. Dillon has done an incredible job.”

— James Crepea covers Oregon ducks and the Big Ten. Listen to Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to Ducks Roundup Newsletter.